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THE 



11 
OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 



BY THE 

OCTOGENARIAN LADY, 

OF CHARLESTON, S. '.'. 
/ 



" Oh ! give me but one year of life. 
And then my work is done ; 

But twelve months more of earthly strife, 
And the bright goal is won." 

" Vet what is life? that I should cling 

To the poor broken thread. 
That coils its tangled mazes round 

Each hope, and promise jledl" 



CHARLESTON^: 
S. G. OOURTENAY & CO 

NO. 3 BROAD-STREET. 
MDCCCLV. 



r 



rlCf 



-1% 



Entered, according to an Act of Congress, in the year 1855, by 

Mrs. E. A. POYAS, 

la the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for the District 

of South-Carolina. 






JAMES, WILLIAMS & GITSINGER, 

3 Broad-st., Charleston, printers. 



PREFACE. 



To MY Young Friends : 

Abashed by the equitable precept " let those teach others, who 
themselves excel," I have scarcely dared to present the following 
pages to your attention, aware, how fairly I am putting it in the 
power of my readers to ask, in the searching words of an eminent 
prelate, •' you who wvU^e thus and advise thus, do you do thus ?" — 
Alas, no ! and yet although it he hut little good that I may be 
allowed to do, the very aim is right and may be blessed. First^ 
then, I would have you never forget the beautiful teachings of Sir 
Matthew Hale, that " the fear of God begins with the heart and 
purifies and rectifies it ; and that from the heart, thus rectified, 
grows a conformity in the life, the words and the actions.'- Well 
convinced am I, that there are many of you who require not so 
much to be informed as reminded, a remembrancer is often more 
useful than an instructor; the office, although more humble, is 
scarcely less necessary, and I am persuaded that if ever my plain 
admonitions are allowed to make their due impression, they cannot 
fail to produce a salutary effect npon some of you, my youthful 
readers ; keeping you safe, even in the midst of an ensnaring world, 
active and zealous in the discharge of duties, with minds ever dis- 
posed to dwell on subjects of solemn interest. 

My design in the contemplated " Series of Old Stories," is to 
bring to your view events and scenes of local interest that may im- 
bue you with noble sentiments, and elevated principles, persuading 
you to let your judgment and your conscience ever hold firm sway 
over your feelings, since they only can guide you into the safe 
course you should pursue. 

Forget not that my footsteps are pressing on eternity, my strength 
fast failing, the decrepitude of age is upon me ; and yet a multi- 
tude of days ha=« not extinguished the warmth of my feelings to- 



IV PREFACE. 

wards you, some of whom will peruse with additional care, senti- 
ments recommended to you l»y the warmth of your attachment, 
more than by any claim of merit in the writer ; for we all know 
that there is something in personal knowledge, much in the feelings 
of endeared acquaintance, which tend to excite a new interest in 
considering truths, which are already familiar to our minds. My 
concern for many interesting young people of both sex, extends be- 
yond the transient period of our present intercourse, and it will 
shed a ray of brightness on my parting hour, if I might dare to 
think, that any caution held out, any principle suggested, or habit 
recommended, might prove of use to one of them, when this tremb- 
ling hand, which now can scarcely guide my pen, will be no longer 
exerted in their service. Thus would they remember their faithful 
friend in the way which would show their highest affection, whilst 
it would confer the truest honor on themselves. 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 



LETTER I. 

TO MASTER THOMAS HENRY SMITH. 

" To wake within the melting soul 

Time's lost or buried pleasures, 
Old friends, old books, old songs, old joys, 

And all life's garnered treasures: 
Bereft of pain, 'twill softly gain 

Old memory's Haunted places. 
While o'er us rise, in angel guise, 

Soft smiles and vanished faces." 

Charleston, March 8th, 1851. 
My Dear Young Cousin : 

Age, says the proverb, strips lis of every thing, even of 
resolution ; but having formed an excellent one as regards 
myself, that of never being outdone in generosity, I now 
snatch up my pen to thank you sincerely for the gratification 
afforded by the perusal of the School-Master's Journal, kept 
at your gre.at''great grandfather's mansion from 1740 to 1*750. 
Indeed, Mr. James Elerton, the English gentleman, seems to 
have been Madam Smith's " Man of all work," not confining 
himself to the instruction of Masters Harry, Tommy, Georgy 
and Benney, but we find him attending to the loading of the 
schooner, raising the poultry house, and removing the cow- 
pen. Could my hand keep pace with the rapidity of thought, 
how many almost forgotten facts could I tell you, little Master, 
of the mansion of those who have occupied it, and now sleep 
1 



2 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

within its grave-yard. Soon could I liold up to your view^ 
characters worthy of your imitation, and point out virtues 
that you would do well to emulate. " Madam Smith," you - 
have been told, is the same with the " beautiful Mary Hyrne,'' 
so interestingly introduced by that delightful writer and ac- 
complished gentleman, Dr. J. B. Irving, in his attractive little 
volume, " A Day on Cooper River," which your good mother 
has read and explained to yourself and sisters. She had be- 
come a widow in 1738, two years previous to the commence- 
ment of your tattered journal, in return for the loan of which 
you shall have a page or more from my stories. Come, step 
along with me, and I will give you your progenitors through 
the two last centuries ; some of whom have been eminent as 
public men, and others, who for temper, manners, learning, 
piety, and humanity, have been the very exemplars of christian 
gentlemen. And do we not know the quiet influence for good 
which such characters exert ? Men, with their minds tho- 
roughly impressed with the absolute necessity of universal 
virtue and goodness, as the only sure road to happiness and 
heaven ; and that you may live to walk therein with undevia- 
ting steps, is the sincere and afifectionate wish of her who 
pens these hues, and that through a long life. Resolved am 
I to record for yonr benefit and gratification, the history of 
your forefathers, to rescue from oblivion the memory of former 
domestic incidents, and to render a just tribute to the many 
virtues of your progenitors, to treat of times long past; over 
which the twilight of uncertainty has already thrown its 
shadows, and the night of forgetfulness is about to descend 
forever. Yes, I have caught up my pen, with a heart full of 
anxiety, lest I shall fail to do justice to so much worth and 
valor, e'er I too " be gathered to my fathers." For a time 
you and I shall have nothing to do with the insignificant 
transactions of the present age. Our chief happiness shall be 
to treasure up the recollections of the past events of the ^ood 



THE OLDEN TIME OP CAEOLINA. 3 

old times of your forefathers, wliicli, but for me would be 
buried in eternal oblivion, the name and achievements of 
Landgrave Thomas Smith, who was born in 1648, in the city 
of Exeter, Devonshire, England, and came to the Province of 
South-Carohna in 1671, with his brother James, and in 1672 
received lots, numbers 41 and 57, in New Charles Town. I 
must tell you also of Benjamin Schenking, and rest assured 
that but for me, all those persons would be enveloped in doubt 
and fiction, remembered only as shadows that have flitted 
across the world's stage, leaving no trace behind to mark their 
exit. Determined, therefore, to avert if possible, this threat- 
ening misfortune, I shall /or you gather together all the frag- 
ments of your family history, and anecdotes which may still 
exist, or of which I may be able to possess myself, and where 
no written record can be found, will endeavor to continue my 
accounts from well authenticated traditions, not the least in- 
teresting of which have come down to me at past periods, 
from some of your old and faithful family servants, such as 
Dr. Irving has told us, was Bob of the mansion — " a native 
and to the manor born," one of a class of people, he regretted 
to say, " like many other good things in Carolina, fast passing 
away." Thomas and James were amongst those whom the 
restoration of Charles the II. to the throne induced to leave 
England. The cavaliers, who had suffered during the usur- 
pation, began to retaliate on the puritans, and having attained 
the ascendancy over them in public affairs, on all occasions 
treated them with severe ridicule and supercilious contempt ; 
on the other hand, the morose republican party, highly of- 
fended at the licentious manners and growing wickedness of 
the times, ardently wished for some distant retreat to shelter 
themselves from the storm of divine judgments, which they 
believed hung over the corrupt and profligate nation. Lord 
Clarendon, and many others of the King's council, encouraged 
emigration as a sovereign remedy for political disorders. Of 



4 THE OLDEN TIME OP CAROLINA. 

the other party, many brave officers and soldiers had been 
reduced to indigent circumstances by their steady adherence 
to the royal family during the civil war. They finding that 
Charles could make but little provision for them at home, 
\Yere also willing to accept grants in the neighborhood of 
Indian savages, and thus obtained landed estates at an easy 
rate. For instance, hi the case of Sir John, who was the 
eldest son, and heir tn Robert Yeomans, alderman of Bristol, 
who was imprisoned an :1 executed in 1643, by order of Na- 
thaniel Fiennes, son to Lord Say, who had been appointed 
Governor of Bristol by the Parliament. John was advanced 
to the dignity of Baronet, by Charles the II. in 1664, as a 
reward for the steady loyalty and heavy suflferings of his fa 
ther. As he had been much injured in his private fortunes, 
he embarked for the Island of Barbados, then in a flourish- 
ing condition, to hide his povert}^ from his acquaintance in 
England, and endeavor to acquire a fortune suitable to his 
dignity. In 1670, when this Province (now a State) was to 
be settled, he received a grant of forty-eight thousand acres 
of land from the proprietors, and the title of Landgrave. He 
then with several respectable followers retired to the infant 
colony, to forward by his presence and example, the interest 
of his generous and beloved friends, from whom he had re- 
ceived great encouragement and assistance. He was the first 
person who introduced negroes here, and gave his name to 
the creek, which ran through his barony ; on a part of which 
your mansion now stands. On the death of Governor Sayle, 
Sir John Yeomans claimed the office of Vice Palatine, in 
consequence of his rank — he being the only Landgrave resi- 
dent in the colony ; but the council chose to prefer Joseph 
West, until a special appointment arrived from England ; the 
first vessel that came brought a commission to Sir John, con. 
stituting him Governor of the colony. He entered on his 
duties with uncommon zeal. A committee of Stephen Bull 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 6 

Ralph Marshall, and Wm. Owen, framed some public regu- 
lations : — The first act to prevent persons from leaving the 
colony ; the second, to prohibit the disposing of arms and 
ammunition to Indians ; the third, for the regular building of 
" Charles Town," which was commenced on this spot in 1672 ; 
although the Old Town was well built up and thickly settled 
until about 1680, when the inhabitants began not only to 
transfer themselves, but the materials with which their habi- 
tations had been built, across the Ashley river, so that at this 
time, not two centuries from its first foundation, all traces of 
that early settlement are completely eradicated ; whilst flour- 
ishing fields are to be seen, where for nine or ten years a very 
large proportion of the European colonist^ resided, and which 
continued to be the seat of all the offices and departments of 
the government until 1680, on the centennial of which we 
surrendered the " New Charles Town" to the British, who kept 
possession two years. " Old Town," on the west side of the 
Ashley, may, like the once beautiful and very pleasant Town 
of Dorchester, located twenty miles higher up the same river, 
have proved too unhealthy; so late as 1*780, that town con- 
tained about four or five hundred persons, and services were 
continued after the war for a short period. Yet now in 1851 
you ride through the desolate land, from which even the 
brick foundations have been carted away to build chimneys in 
Summerviile, St. George's Parish. There remains no church, 
no altar, priest or congregation ; register and journals all lost, 
and many for the want of an Episcopal place of worship, have, 
through necessity, long since connected themselves with dis- 
senters. Nought remains of the church, but the steeple, 
guarded by a pair of sacred white owls. 

We will take a retrospective glance at the past, and then 
return to the administration of the Governor, Yeomans. We 
will commence with a chronological table of events, relative 
to this our own State, from its settlement to the end of the 



6 THE OLDEN TIME OP CAROLIITA. 

revolutionary war. We are informed that about the year 
1560, settlements were formed by the Spaniards on many of 
the Islands on the sea-cost in Beaufort District, and up Cali- 
bogue Sound and May river, which they then considered a 
part of Florida. In 1562, a colony of French, under .Jean 
Ribault, arrived at Port Royal, the Island in St. Helena Pa- 
rish, Beaufort District, on which the present town of Beau- 
fort is situated ; it is twenty-six miles from Purisburg and 
seventy-three from Charleston, with a fine harbor ; there they 
built a fort, which they named after Charles the IX. of 
France. The prevailing opinion is, that the fort was built on 
a point of land extending down towards the entrance, between 
the Broad (called by him the Grande) and the Port Royal 
rivers — this point is now called Paris Island, and the remains 
of what appear to have been a fort are shown. There are, 
however, others who suppose that it was near. the present site 
of Beaufort. Nothing has been discovered of a pillar with 
the arms of France, which he describes as having been built 
on the river. An account of his colony, written in French, 
is to be found in the college library of Columbia, where I 
hope you will be enabled to read it in the original a few 
years hence. In 1564, June the 20th, another French colony 
sent by Admiral Coligny, the Huguenot, under Louis Laudo- 
ner, settled on the river May, where they were joined by 
Ribault. The next year, 1565, the Spaniards from Florida 
attacked them, killing Ribault and six hundred of his men. 
Laudoner, and a few others, escaping in a vessel of their 
own constructing, several died on the passage, one was killed 
to save the few survivors from starvation, who were taken 
from their al nost sinking craft by an English barque ; part 
of them landed on the coast of France, the others were ta- 
ken to England. John Ribault described this country in the 
most extravagant style. In 1567, two years after that, the 
Chevalier De Gourgues, with a chosen band, raised at his own 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 7 

expense, re-took tlie fort, put all the Spaniards to the sword, 
and returned home. In 1622, (fifty-five years subsequently) 
several English families, flying from the massacres of the 
Indians of Virginia, were driven to the coast, and settled on 
the river May. Tn 1630, Sir Robert Heath obtained a grant 
of Carolina from Charles the I., but never attempted to set- 
tle. In 1660, a colony from Massachusetts made a settle- 
ment round Cape Fear, (that was forty years after the land- 
ing of the pilgrims at Plymouth.) The first charter of Charles 
the II. was given to eight lords proprietors in 1662, on the 
24th of March, two years after his restoration to the crown 
of England. They were Edward, Earl of Clarendon, Lord 
Chancellor, (James the Duke of York, married his daughter 
as his first wife ;) George, Duke of Albemarle ; William, 
Lord Craven, (the father of the Governor of 1*715 ;) John, 
Lord Berkley, Anthony, Lord Ashley, (afterwards Earl of 
Shaftsbury ;) Sir George Carteret, (brother of Landgrave 
James ;) Sir William Berkley, and Sir John Colleton ; their 
heirs and successors creating them absolute lords and pro- 
prietors of all the territory. Three years after, the charter 
was enlarged. On the 21st of June, a set of fundamental 
constitutions were ratified by the lords proprietors, and July 
the 26th, 1669, Colonel William Sayle was appointed first 
Governor of Carolina. In 1667, they had fitted out a ship, 
and sent him to bring them some accounts of the coast. He 
was driven by a storm amongst the Bahama Islands, which 
accident he improved to the purpose of acquiring some 
knowledge of them, particularly that of Providence, which he 
judged might be of service to the intended settlement of 
Carolina, for in case of an invasion of the Spaniards, this 
island fortified, might serve as a check to the progress of 
their arms, or a retreat to the unfortunate colonist. He sailed 
along the coast of this State, observing several large naviga- 
ble rivers emptying themselves into the ocean,, and a flat 



5 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

country covered with woods. He attempted to go ashore in 
his boat, but finding savages on the banks of the rivers, he 
was obliged to drop the design; and after having explored 
the coast and the mouth of the rivers, took his departure and 
returned to England, where his report was highly favorablej 
he encouraged the lords to engage with vigor in the execu- 
tion of their project ; he also induced them to apply to the 
King for a grant of the Bahama Islands ; they were bestowed. 
Two ships filled with adventurers, embarked with provisions, 
arms and utensils, requisite for building and cultivation. The 
expense for this first embarkation amounted to £12,000. In 
1670, a second set of fundamental constitutions, drawn by 
John Locke, were ratified, sent out, and acted upon till 1693, 
and then discontinued, ivhilst your three times great-grand- 
jather was Governor. In 16*71, the plan for a town was sent 
out by the lords proprietors, directed to the Governor, Coh 
Joseph West, and Council of Ashley river. The name of 
Charles Town was given to the settlement on the west of the 
river, yet it does not appear that any bounds were established 
for a city. The present site of our city began to be occupied 
before there was any prospect of abandoning that now called 
Old Town^ for on the 21st of February, 1672, Lieut. Henry 
Hughs voluntarily appeared before council and surrendered 
up one half of his land near a place upon Ashley river, 
known by the name of " Oyster Point," to be employed in 
and toward enlarging of a town and commons of pasture 
therein intended to be erected. .About the same time, Capt. 
John Coming, and Afra his wife, made a similar surrender 
of land situated in the same neighborhood, but theirs was 
rehnquished on the 8th of the ensuing September, in conse- 
quence of a refusal of the inhabitants to adopt the Land as a 
town site, as it was low and full of creeks. We know that 
twenty-six years after the rejection of the Coming offer, when 
the property had become far more valuable, Afra, " the late 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 9 

wife" of Capt. Coming, did in 1698, give seventeen acres of 
the same " to the Church of England," making St. Philip's 
and St. Michael's now very rich by her grant. The streets 
of Coming and St. Philips, Wentworth and Beaufain, also 
the newly opened one of Glebe, include her gift. On this 
our site, you find that settlements began in the year 1672, 
the place being designated as "New Town," or "Oyster 
Point." The Grand Council, on the 18th of June, 1672, 
directed by order that two great guns be mounted at " New 
Town," for the better defence of the colonyj to be placed un- 
der charge of Mr. Richard Conant, with twelve pound of 
powder. Directions were given that on any alarm the in- 
habitants, " on the other point of the river, called ' Oyster 
Point,' do repair to the plantation now in possession of Mr. 
Thomas Norris, or Mr. William Morril ;" in the year 1672 
also, the Surveyor-General was directed officially to lay out 
the present site. But let us resume the account of Sir John 
Yeoman, who had removed to Barbados as early as 1665, 
when with others he purchased, or accepted of extensive 
tracts in the contemplated colony of Carolina. He writes, 
" I, Sir John Yeomans, .Bart. Lieut. General and Governor of 
the province of Carolina, give for every one thousand pounds 
of Muscovado sugar, five hundred acres of land." He sold to 
George Thomson, James Browne, etc. 

Again he has — "Barbados, 24th of December, 1670, these 
are to notify the Governor, Sayle and his council, of Albe- 
marle Point, on the Ashley river, that Thomas Lake, Esq., of 
Barbados, hath adventured and paid one thousand pounds of 
sugar on said account, whereupon we desire that, accordingly, 
five hundred acres of land be laid out for him, provided he 
settle the same before the 25th of March next. "We are your 
friends and servants, John Yeomans and Thomas Colleton." 

This is one of the evidences of the removal of the colony 
from Port Royal to " Old Town" in 1670, the same year that 
1^ 



10 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

it arrived, and not in "71, as Dr. Ramsay states in his history 
of tlie State. He also tells us that " none of the first set- 
tlers can be named, excepting William Sayle and Joseph 
West." That able, impartial, and generally accurate histo- 
rian, probably had not seen the official records in the Secre- 
tary of State's office, whence this information was obtained. 
Hilton was to be paid for " the discovery of Carolina at the 
rate of five hundred acres of land for every one thousand 
pounds of sugar," probably he commanded the Piiip, or was 
the companion of Sayle, and that Hilton Head derives i1» 
name from him. We are told that Port Royal is eligibly 
situated for a commercial town, having a deep and capacious 
harbor, admitting ships of the largest class, and in its neigh- 
borhood a rich and fertile country. The first settlement of 
the province was attempted there in 1660, by some colonist 
from Virginia. The second was made at that place in 1670, 
by those under Col. Sayle. It is likely that the Spaniards 
became jealous of the attempt to settle in a country to which 
they laid claim, and that the Indians, under their influence, 
showed marks of hostility. The cause must have been ur- 
gent to induce them to relinquish their improvements, and 
commence again the labor of a new settlement. In a few 
months the site first chosen was abandoned, and the adventu- 
rers removed to the west bank of Ashley river." The pros- 
pect of better pasturage and tillage, are mentioned by histo- 
rians as the inducing causes of the change, enhanced, no 
doubt, by the uncomfortable proximity of the jealous Span- 
iards and the fierce Yemassees, to Port Royal ; and, also, by the 
inviting exposure of that open bay to hostile invasion by sea." 
" On the first high land" they laid the foundation of a town 
which they named in honor of the King, " Charles Town," 
you may hear now of " Old Town creek." The point made 
by the confluence of the Ashley river and Wappoo creek, 
was then called *' Albemarle Point." That their removal took 



THE OLDEN TIME OP CAROLINA. 11 

place in the year of their arrival is ascertained by the codicil 
to Col. Sayle's will, made in Charles Town on the 30th of 
September, 1670. The will had been made in Bermuda the 
preceding February, probably on his passage from England. 
The codicil was proved by Governor "West, April the 10th, 

1671. Col. Sayle styled himself " Governor of that part 
of the province of Carolina, southward and westward from 
Cape Cartaret, otherwise called Cape Romanoe." Sir John 
Yeomans controled the upper part of the province, and on 
his removal down brought with him the families of Moores, 
Carvons, Fluds, Bakers, Barkers, etc., who located themselves 
on Yeoman creek ; by the election of the proprietors, his ju- 
risdiction was to extend over the entire province of Carolina. 

"The jSrst popular election recorded on the 20th of April, 

1672, when the following persons were elected to Parlia- 
ment : — Stephen Bull, Florence O'Sullivan, (the person from 
whom the Isjand derives its name ; he was appointed the 
30th of May, 1664, to take charge of a cannon, directed to 
be mounted in some convenient place near the river's mouth, 
to be fired on the approach of a ship, it was placed on that 
Island ;) John Culpepper, John Robinson, Christopher Port- 
man, Ralph Marshall, John Maverick, John Pinkard, Robert 
Donne, Amos Jeffords, Richard Conant, Peter Hyrne, Richard 
Chapman, John Yeomans, Timothy Biggs, James Jones, 
Edward Mathews, Samuel West, Richard Cole, and Henry 
Hughes.". 

We meet with the name of William Yeomans, the nephew 
of Sir John, in St. James' Parish, Goosecreek, as late as 
1747, associated with that of Benjamin Godin. On the 23d 
of April, it was resolved to issue a warrant forthwith to the 
Surveyor-General, John Culpepper, for the laying out of three 
squares of twelve thousand acres — one about Charles Town, 
another at James Town, and another at a place known as 
" Oyster Point." 



12 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

" The first apportionment of town lots in the city occurred 
on the 22d of July, 1672, the settlers having previously sur- 
rendered their former grants, received new allotments under 
the plan of the town then completed. The following list of 
grantees is given : — Thomas Ingram had No. 58 ; Samuel 
West, 31; William Owen, 32 and 33 ; Capt. Henry Braine, 
30 ; Lieut. Henry Hughes, 3 ; Capt. John Coming, 29 ; Capt. 
Florence O'Sullivan, 5, C, 26 and 27 ; John WiUiamson, 1 ; 
Ralph Marshall, 8 ; Capt. Stephen Bull, 24 and 25 ; Capt. 
Joseph Bayley, 9 ; Sir John Yeomans, 22 ; Richard Deyos, 
19 ; James Jours, 14 ; Thomas Turpin, 33 ; Priscilla Burke, 
28; Major Thomas Gray, 10; John Foster, 11; Richard 
Batin, 13 ; Henry Wood, 15 ; George Beadon, 20 and 40 ; 
(hence comes Beadon's Alley,) Ensign Hugh Cataret, 18 ; 
Capt. George Thomson bought of William Thennis, 16 and 
17, (Thomson, of Barbados, who told us on the 25th of 
April, 1665, that "he was elected one of the treasurers for 
the receipt of all subscriptions, and also of the receipt of what 
sugar, in pursuance of the general concessions under the seal 
of the said province," he acknowledged to have received of 
Col. Simon Lambert the sum of four* thousand pounds of 
Muscovado sugar,) Capt. Nathaniel Sayle had lots Nos. 59 
and 60 ; Thomas Hurt, for his wife, 61 ; the Lords Proprie- 
tors, 50, 51, 52, 63 and 62 ; Capt. Maurice Mathews, 37 and 
54; Michael Smith, 38; Thomas Thomson, 55 ; Capt. Gyles 
Hall, 12 ; Richard Cole, 42 ; Joseph Dalton, 44 ; John Pink' 
ard, 36 ; Joseph Pendarvis, 45 ; John Maverick, 43 ; Comer- 
ton, number not designated ; Christopher Portman, 4 ; En- 
sign Henry Prettye, 56 ; Timothy Biggs, 34 ; Charles Mil- 
lar, 46 ; John Culpepper, surveyor, 35 ; Capt. John Robinson, 
47 ; Ensign John Boone, 2 ; Edward Mathews, 1 ; Thomas 
and James Smith, had 41 and 57. 

" Among the original lot holders of Old Charles Town, who 
had removed from Port Royal, were Richard Batin or Baton, 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 13 

James Jours, and Ricliard Deyos. These, we may conjec- 
ture, were French Protestants, who had sought an asylum in 
England, and accompanied the expedition under the com- 
mand of Sayle." 

Confess now, young cousin, that I merit your gratitude 
for bringing you acquainted with things of local interest, and 
do not join the giddy ones who laugh at me, declaring that I 
" luxuriate" in describing the former course of the creek up 
what is now Water-street to Meeting, and quite on to where 
the Scotch Church now stands. And in talking of the old 
house at the corner of East Bay and Longitude-lane, to the 
door of which a large pettiauger drove up, and was wrecked 
in the great gale of 1752, whilst it belonged to, and was oc- 
cupied by Mary, the widow of the second Landgrave Thomas 
Smith, who had died in 11S8. They will tell you too, that 
I am fond of recounting some miraculous, but well attested 
legend of this self same Mary of ghost memory, who, to con- 
fess the truth, I intend to make the heroine of all the epistles 
that I may address to you, for she was our great great grand- 
mother, a lady of happy memory, whose example I flatter 
myself many of my young friends will be wise enough to 
copy. Adieu for the present. 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 



LETTER II. 

" A watcher I, by bush and stream, 
A loiterer by the field and fold ; 
A lover of tradition's dream. 
And pleasant tales of days of old." 

Charleston, March 9ih, 1851 
My Dear Thomas Henry : 

We will return to the early times of our city. In 1611, 
it was written " Oyster Point Town." In Nov., 1680, it was 
called in official papers "New Charles Town," and, in 1682, 
" Charles Town." It was incorporated in 1783 by the name 
of the "City of Charleston." It was originally no further 
west than Meeting-street. A line from the Bay, a little to 
the north of the present St. Philip's Church, formed its 
northern boundary, and somewhere about Water-street its 
southern extremity ; the streets were not distinguished by 
names for several years. In a deed of sale, January the 20th, 
1697, Queen is called "ahttle street that leads from the 
Cooper to the Ashley river." East Bay was described as a 
street running parallel with Cooper river from Ashley to 
the French Church. In a deed the 30th of July, 1698, some 
bounds are described as being " on Broad, alias Cooper-street 
that leadeth from Cooper river, by the church and market 
place, to the Ashley river." From a deed of sale in 1699, it 
appears that the lots upon which the City Hall and Court 
House stand were sites of the market place, some lands are 
defined as bounding upon "the great street that runs north 
and south through the market." The State, where the Court 
House now stands, was afterwards built on that west corner, 
where had been originally a deep pond, there the youths bad 



THE OLDEN TIME OP CAROLINA. 15 

been accustomed to bathe. The corner-stone was laid by 
Gov. James Glen, on the 22d of June, 1753, after having 
duly deposited a piece of coin ; when each officer of State or 
member of the Council had followed suit by laying a brick, 
they adjourned to " Gordon's in Broad-street," indulging in 
merriment appropriate to the day, " and perhaps in laying 
more bricks." "The same finale had been adopted on the 
laying of the corner-stone for St. Michael's Church, by Gov. 
Glen, on the llih of February, 1752." We presume that 
the State House was first used in '54, and continued to be 
until the disastrous fire of 1788, excepting the two years 
whilst the foe held the town. The Jacksonborough session 
of 1782 is well known to us all, where Gen. Francis Marion, 
as a member of the Legislature, so nobly resisted all retaha- 
tory measures towards the tories. On Tuesday, the 7th of 
February, 1788, a fire was discovered in the Senate room of 
the State House, which in a few hours reduced that building 
to a pile of ruins. The conflagration commenced by the in- 
tense heat of the fire catching a part of the wainscoting which 
projected over the bricks above the fire-place. It had cost 
£5,912,70 sterling. The present Court House shows the plan 
and extent of the building, with the exception chiefly of the 
third stor}^, which was not in the original edifice. Mr. Ben- 
jamin Simons, v/ho was born on the 9th of July, 1693, the 
father of Keating, Edward, Maurice, Mrs. Jamison, and 
others, assisted as a carpenter in building the State House, that 
was began in 1753, at the age of 60. 

The city square was originally the grave-yard of the first 
St. Philip's or English Church, which was built in 1680, on 
the spot where the only St. Michael's now stands. By 1697 
it was so filled with Episcopalian bones, it became necessary 
to forbid that any more interments should be made there ; 
just a quarter of a century after the Oyster Point Town be- 
gan to be built, A burial ground for all denominations had 



16 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

been commenced west of the present Archdale-street, in the 
woods, extending up to the present Beaufain, where you came 
to the pasture of the first parsonage, (given to St. Philip 
Church, by Mrs. Afra Coming in 1698,) down to Queen- 
street, then the south boundary of the town, and west as far 
as should be required. The Poor House and Jail were af- 
terwards built upon a part of that " city of the dead," the 
bones turned out for the foundation bricks to be laid were 
carried up St. Philip's street and buried in a lot opposite the 
present Orphan House. Potter's field and other places were 
subsequently established and used. Those human bodies 
turned up of late, in FrankHn, below Queen-street, were part 
of the Hessian Yaggars, and other of the enemy, killed in 
May, 1780, by the accidental blowing up of the magazine in 
the street of that name, west of Archdale-street, then built 
up. The mother, grandmother, and only sister of old Mr. 
John Smith, so long connected with St. Philip Churches se- 
cond and third, were residing in the magazine square, and 
were all destroyed ; he who had been sent abroad on an er- 
rand, had just returned to the gate when the explosion oc- 
curred, and was blown into the jail yard, yet escaped unhurt, 
and was taken under the care of a kind young woman, who 
at that period kept a little school at the south-east corner of 
Broad and King streets, to whom as long as she lived he 
proved himself a most grateful son. His father had gone to 
England on business at the time, but returned soon to find 
house and family had been lost to him, excepting the lad, who 
has lived to do much good. 

The Market was continued at the corners east and west, 
long after the adjoining grave yard had been given up. The 
deep pond of which mention has been made, was the western 
boundary of the town until 1704. The first Guard House 
was at the east end of Broad-street, where the Custom House 
and Post Office now stands, it was a yellow w^ooden bviilding. 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 1^ 

Court of Guard means a municipal court to try minor of- 
fences, taken up by the guard the night before. The old 
City Guard House, fronting on Broad-street, was a good sub- 
stantial building, where the public records were kept, in the 
upper story, until their removal to the fire-proof building. 
We will now return to a more remote period, January, 1674, 
then it was that Sir John Yeomans, who had been four years 
in the province, returned to Barbados, and died soon after, (his 
only child intermarried with Governor Moore,) he had been 
reduced to a feeble condition by the warm sickly climate, and 
his indefatigable labors for the success of the settlement, few 
could have exceeded him in valor, prudence and application 
to government. He had the town fortified and additional 
works of defence erected the year of his departure, 1674. 
Joseph West was again elected Governor, and the Palatine 
confirmed the election, he was a favorite, and on the 27th of 
April, 1675, the inhabitants were enrolled in three compa- 
nies, the first commanded by himself, the second by Lieut. 
Col, Godfrey, the third by Capt. Maurice Mathews. But he 
soon incurred the displeasure of the proprietors by the sale 
of the Indians, and Landgrave Joseph Morton was elected. 
Kow that I have shown you Thomas .Smithy your progenitor, 
as amongst the first who came to Carolina, will remind you 
of his house, yet standing as one of the few landmarks, at 
the corner of East Bay and the north corner of Longitude- 
lane. I dare say he talked of living "down east," as the 
streets were nameless in a great measure, and there he 
planted his rice, and reaped his only crop, for he died that 
same year (1694). Thomas and James Smith, were known 
as respectable miscellaneous writers in the days of the com- 
monwealth of England. Thomas and James, the sons of 
Thomas, came to the province in 1671 — the former bought 
the lot given to his brother, and remained here to build up 
the " bacon and rice aristocracy," whilst James removed to 



18 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

Boston to hell) on tliat of the " codfish aristocracy." Thomas, 
the first Landgrave, you recollect was born in 1648, he was 
twenty-two years older than his son Thomas, who was born 
in England in ICTO, came over when a few months old, and 
was called the " little Englishman ;" his son George, " the 
American," came into existence in 1672, and became a phy- 
sician in 1700. Their mother was the youthful Baroness, 
(the widow of Bernard Schencking, whose brother Benjamin 
accompanied them,) whom your forefather brought as his 
wife to America. Are you not wrapped in admiration of the 
young, and exquisitely lovely German adventuress, who for 
love, tyrannic love, could forego brocades and hoops, blue 
satin and Mecklin lace, (such as Simeon Theus and brothers 
Bogle loved to paint,) leaving perchance the mansion of some 
rich old Burgher, some house with its gable to the street, a 
Dutch roof, and chimneys well adorned with tiles. Flying 
from pomp that may constantly have surrounded her, and all 
to share the fortunes of an English youth, bound to ,a terra 
incognito, and a nation of savages ? I have some qualms of 
conscience at calling up the shades of your ancestors, and 
bringing even their taste into question, but having once done 
so, am determined not yet to dismiss them. The widow in 
her wisdom, resolved to act upon the good advice given in 
*' family quarrels." " Marry never for houses, nor marry for 
lands," nor marry for nothing but love." With them came 
her lovely portrait, which a British soldier stole during the 
Revolution, from its massive, carved and gilded frame, which 
even now hangs empty against the wall of one of your upper 
rooms at Yeoman Hall, and which I recommend to be pre- 
sented to the Hon. Barnwell Rhett, (alias Smith) for the 
reception of one of her handsomest descendants ; the like- 
ness of his grandfather, Mr. Thomas Smith, taken in Lon- 
don, in the year 1749, when he was thirty years of age. 
My eyes rested upon this charming picture, on visiting Mr. 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 19 

Jackson's room, in King-street, some years ago. A wig curled 
and well powdered, and a grave colored coat, led me to ask 
" who is that, and by what master hand ?" " Mr. Thomas 
Smith, the grandfather of Messrs. Rhett and their sisters, 
the artist's name was Kreble, mam, he must have been ouq 
of the first rate in Europe, mam, and yet to think that I never 
heard of him, mam !" 

Surely, thought I, if the young runaway from England in 
1671, was the prototype of this surpassingly handsome great 
grandson of his, any lady would be held excusable for join- 
ing him in his flight, at a period when the puritans could not 
patiently endure the folly and sinfulness of the Court of 
Charles the II. The stolen picture, I have heard your great 
great aunt say, presented the fair one with rosy cheeks and 
cherry lips, with magnificent large blue eyes, and a face of 
German contour. Her hands and feet, we may readily ima- 
gine, were wonderfully small and delicately formed ; this chef 
(Voeuvre caught up her first-born, and Hagar like, " fled to 
the wilderness," where lending a helping hand, they made a 
part of it " to bloom as the rose," happily they settled down 
on a plantation on Back river, and caused to be built the 
first brick house in the province, beyond the precincts of the 
town. (It is now the property of Mr. P, G. Stoney.) There 
they engaged in that art of arts, agriculture, without which 
man would be a savage to the end of time, and the world a 
desert ever. In twenty-three years from their arrival to the 
period of his death, in 1694, they had amassed a splendid 
estate by industry and good conduct, which finally promoted 
him to the highest office within the gift of the Lords Proprietors 
in 1693. At that time he ofiered for sale his plantation on 
Back river, purporting the ensuing year to take possession of 
Yeoman Hall, once the property of Lord Craven, then un- 
dergoing repair, and was to be ready for their reception at 
that time, adorned with tessellated floors and frescoed pannels, 



20 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

on its pillars tliere was statuary, in its corridors and cham- 
bers, his son, its future master, was about to place gilded 
furniture, and gather costly stones into his cabinet. The gates 
were arched, and the thresholds paved. He was ready to 
enrich his dwelling with all manner of costliness, for neither 
father nor son were advocates for meanness of habitation. 
The town family mansion had its gilded angels and painted 
walls, and I recollect a few years ago, the scampering of 
children to rescue a quantity of broken painted tiles, from 
the old chimneys thrown down in Stoll's-ailey, to which, and 
far beyond, the Smith lots had extended, and on which seve- 
ral of the second Landgrave Thomas' children lived. His 
father and self had taxable estates iii St. James' Parish, 
Goose Creek, to a great amount in 1692. Well, 

" Your grandpa had a million acres, 
Ne'er a one have I, 
Your grandma in a palace dwell'd. 
In a cottage I." 

But, alas, for him ! the mandate had gone forth, "cut him 
down, although he cumbereth not the ground." In 1692, 
Governor Ludwell, to please the planters, proposed to the as- 
sembly a new form of a deed for holding lands, by which he 
encroached on the prerogative of the proprietors, incurred 
their displeasure, and was removed from office. To find ano- 
ther man, equally qualified for the trust, was no small diffi- 
culty. Thomas Smith, Sr., was possessed of considerable 
property, for a patent had been sent out creating him a Land- 
grave, with a grant of 48,000 acres of land, bearing date May, 
13th, ie9L He was much esteemed by the people for his 
wisdom and sobriety. He would be both zealous and active 
in promoting the prosperity of the settlement. Therefore, in 
1693, followed a commission, investing him with the govern- 
ment of the colony, Mr. Ludwell returned to Virginia, hap- 



THE OLDEN TIM^ OB" CAROLINA. 21 

pily relieved, and Landgrave Smitli entered, under all possible 
advantages, the office. He liad been twenty-two years in 
Carolina ; was well acquainted with the state of the colony, 
and with the tempers of the leading men in it. He knew 
that the interest of the proprietors and the prosperity of the 
settlement were inseparably connected. He was disposed to 
allow the people, struggling under many hardships, every 
indulgence, consistent with the duties of his trust. No 
stranger could have been appointed who could boast of being 
in circumstances equally favorable and advantageous. Just 
then a fortunate accident happened, which occasioned the in- 
troduction of Rice into Carolina ; a grain suitable to the cli- 
mate and soil of the country. A brigantine, from the Island 
of Madagascar, touching at this town on her way to Britain, 
came to anchor off Sullivan's Island. There, Landgrave 
Smith, on an invitation from the Captain, paid him a visit, 
and received from him the present of a bag of seed rice ; 
which he, the Captain, had seen growing in eastern countries, 
where it was deemed excellent food, and very productive. 
The Governor most thankfully accepted, and divided the 
prize between Mr. Stephen Bull, Mr. Joseph Woodward and 
a few other friends, who agreed to make the experiment 
of planting each his small parcel in a different soil. It an- 
swered their highest expectations. Some years after that, 
Mr. Dubois, treasurer of the East India Company, sent a 
quantity of seed rice to the colony, which, it is supposed by 
some, gave rise to the distinction of red and white rice, others 
believe it to depend on culture. " Before this period, the 
Carolinians, (we are told,) had found out the policy of setting 
one tribe of Indians against another on purpose to save them- 
selves ; not only diverting their attention from them, but en- 
couraging them to bring captives to Charlestown, for the pur- 
pose of transportation to the West Indies, and the advantage of 
trade." In 1693, twenty Cherokee Chiefs waited on Gov. 



22 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

Smith, with presents and proposals of friendship, craving the 
protection of government against the Esaw and Congaree In- 
dians, who had destroyed several of their towns, and taken a 
number of their people prisoners. They complained also of 
the Savannas, for selling their countrymen, contrary to former 
regulations established amongst the tribes, and begged the 
Governor to restore their relations and protect them against 
such insidious enemies. The Governor responded that there 
was nothing he wished for more than friendship and peace 
with the Cherokee warriors, and would do everything in his 
power for their defence ; that the prisoners were already 
gone, and could not be recalled ; but that he would, for the 
future, take care that a stop should be put to the custom of 
sending them off the country. At the same time, the Chi- 
haw king complained of the cruel treatment he had received 
from a man named John Palmer, " who had barbarously beat 
and cut him with his broadsword ;" in answer to which 
charge Palmer was insolent, and protested in defiance and 
conteaipt of both governor and council, he would again treat 
him in the same manner upon the same provocation, for 
which he was ordered into custody until he asked pardon of 
the house, and found security for his future peaceable beha- 
vior to the Indians." He had arrived from England in the 
" Loyal Jamaica," in April, 1692, and must not be considered 
a member of the Huguenot Pamor family, of 1685, who now 
write their name Palmer, they would disown the relationship 
in scorn. 

" With respect to government, Carolina still continued in 
a confused and turbulent state. Complaints from every 
quarter were made to the Governor, who was neither able to 
quiet the minds ot the people, nor afford them the reHefthey 
wanted. Governor Philip Ludwell had been anxious to pro- 
tect the French refugees, and endeavored to have them nat- 
uralized, and admitted to equal rights with the rest of the 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 23 

colonists. This measure was resisted by the bigotry and in- 
tolerance of the people, and it was not till many years after- 
wards, that they obtained the recognition of their natural 
rights. They were at this time uneasy that there was no 
provincial law to secure their estates to the heirs of their body 
or the nex4in kin, and afraid that their lands at their death, 
would escheat to the proprietors, and their children become 
beggars, notwithstanding their utmost industry and applica- 
tion; and, in such a case, the sooner they removed from the 
colony the better it would be for themselves and their poste- 
rity. The English colonist not only kept up variances 
among themselves, but also perplexed the Governor with 
their complaints of hardships and grievances. At last. Land- 
grave Smith wrote to the proprietors, and frankly told them 
that he despaired of ever uniting the people in interest and 
affection, that he and many more, weary of the fluctuating 
state of public affairs, had resolved to leave the province, and 
that he was convinced that nothing would bring the settlers 
to a state of tranquillity and harmony, unless they sent out 
one of the proprietors with full power to redress grievances 
and settle differences prevailing and likely to prevail more in 
the colony. They, astonished at the discontented and turbu- 
lent spirit of the people, yet anxious to prevent the settlement 
from being deserted and ruined, resolved to try the remedy 
that he had suggested. Lord Ashley, a young nobleman, 
was selected and invested with full powers to establish such 
regulations as he should judge most conducive to the peace 
and welfare of the colony. He, however, declined accepting 
the appointment, either from want of incHnation or being 
detained in England, on more important or agreeable busi- 
ness, and John Archdale, a man of considerable knowledge 
and discretion, a Quaker and a proprietor, agreed to embark 
in his place." Li the meantime, your great^ great^ great 
grandfather Smith, having died, his friend, the Hon. Joseph 



24 THE OLDIN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

Blake, another dissenter, was chosen Governor, until the 
pleasure of the lords should be known. So great had the 
antipathy of the English settlers to the French refugees now 
grown, that they insisted on their total exclusion from a 
voice in the legislature ; for this purpose, an address was pre- 
pared and presented to the Governor, praying that "the re- 
fugees might not only be denied the privilege of sitting as 
members of the legislative body, but also of a vote at their 
election, and that the assembly may be composed only of 
English members, chosen by Englishmen." Their request 
being contrary to the instructions of the proprietors, he judged 
it beyond his power to grant, and therefore matters relating to 
them continued in the same unsettled state until the arrival of 
Gov. Archdale, in 1695. 

He, by his extensive powers and great discretion, settled 
things to the satisfaction of all, excepting the French refugees ; 
all that lie could do for them was to recommend it to the 
English freeholders to consider them in the most friendly and 
compassionate point of light, treating them with lenity and 
moderation. Archdale being empowered to nominate a 
Lieut. Governor, made choice of Joseph Blake for his succes- 
sor ; after a long sojourn in N'orth Carolina, he embarked for 
Britain about the close of the year 1699. In March, 1695, he 
had met the legislature in Charles Town. The little Quaker 
meeting house was built immediately on his arrival ; then 
well surrounded with bushes as you will see on the map of 
1704, after a survey made by Mr. Edward Crisp, Surveyor 
General, engraved by James Akin. A neat dwelling now 
stands upon its site, you will find it on the east side of King, a 
few doors below Queen street, recessed, and with a yard on 
the west of the house, with two vine-clad tomb istones remain- 
ing ; probably over the graves of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel La- 
tham, after whose deaths the building was locked and the 
key transmitted to the venerable father of the present well 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 2S 

known Hon. John B. O'Neall, residing in Newberry, as the 
sole remaining one of that quiet sect within this State. The 
temple fell a victim to the flames. The keeper of the key 
died, and perhaps it was buried with him, as would have 
been all this* information but for me, your friend. You will 
bear in mind that the plan of 1*704 shows no trace of Queen 
street beyond Meeting to the west, it was many years after 
that date, before it was marked out, as established from river 
to river. The house of the Rev. Mr. Stobo, who arrived in 
IVOO, was just above that street, in the King of our day. Be- 
yond the lines of fortification there were these scattered 
houses, each within a small enclosure ; whilst the spaces that 
intervened were grown up in " young pyne, bushes, shrubs" 
together with the "James Town weed." The most distant 
house on that map is the parsonage, the site of which is Mr. 
H. L. Pinckney's lot in St. Philip's street, near Beaufain, on 
the Glebe tract, which was a donation, you remember, from. 
" old Aunt Coming," in 1698, of which I shall tell you more 
hereafter ; desiring, at this time, to revert to Governor Arch- 
dale, who purchased land in Pasquatank county, north of 
Albermarle Sound, some of which continues in the family to 
this time. The wife of Mr.William Hill, Secretary of State, of 
North CaroHna, is a descendant of his through his daughter 
Anne, who was married in July of 1688, to Emanuel Lowe. 
Their daughter, Anne Pendleton, married Dempsy Conner, 
the father of Mrs. Hill. On Archdale's return to England, in 
1699, the care of that State devolved on Thomas Harvey, as 
Deputy Governor. Brunswick county, North Carolina, was 
formed in 1764, from Bladen and New Hanover, south-east 
portion, its capital is Smithville. We know that a part of 
the Landgrave's grant of 48,000 acres of land lay there ; and 
that his grand-son George, with several of his married sisters, 
settled there, the neighborhood continues to be thickly popu- 
lated with Smiths and Moores, who continue to intermarry as 
2 



26 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

from the days of Justina and James. We hear of George 
Smith, of 1111. Abner, as Senator, in 1825. Dming the 
Revolution, of two young Smiths, of Cape Fear, one of whom 
was badly wounded, his horse was shot under him, he fell to 
the ground, and the British, as they passed, perforated his 
body with their bayonets. A Benjamin Smith was Senator 
from 1792 to '95. Benjamin Smith, a native and resident of 
Belvidere, Brunswick County, intelligent and enterprising, 
was a favorite General of Mihtia, of the State in 1810 ; he 
married Miss Moore. James Moore Smith was the first 
white child born west of the Blue Ridge. For you, have I 
thus far summoned up the history of your family. Well am 
I aware that my attempts will require kind indulgence, yet I 
shall, at any risk, go on and do my best, certain that, to the 
humble endeavor, there is never wanting the blessing of 
some good. Fondly do I flatter myself that no young friend 
of mine will ever bring discredit on my instructions. And, 
now, I will not encroach upon your attention by further pros- 
ecuting the subject at this time, but bid you an affectionate 
adieu. 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA, 2'? 



LETTER III. 

" The lives of good men should remind us 
That we can make our own sublime ; 
Then departing, leave behind us 
Footprints on the sands of Time." 

Charleston, March IWi, 1851. 
My Dear Henry : 

In consequence of an union between the families of Smith 
and Blake, of which you are to be informed, I will proceed 
to speak of the latter family as history and tradition have 
done. Robert Blake, one of the most celebrated of British 
Admirals, was born at Bridgewater, Somersetshire, thirty 
miles from Bristol, in 1599, and educated at Oxford. In the 
struggle between Charles I and his people, he espoused the 
cause of liberty. In 1649 he was put in command of the 
fleet ; in '52 and *53 he fought four desperate engagements 
with the Dutch, under Van Tromp, in two of which he was 
very successful. The Mediterranean was the theatre of his 
glory in 1654. His health was entirely broken, he expired 
on the 27th of August, 1657, at the age of 58, while the 
fleet was entering Plymouth Sound. Oliver Cromwell had 
his body interred with great magnificence, in Henry the 
VII. Chapel, in Westminster Abbey, but, on the restoration 
of Charles II. it was insultingly torn from its resting place, 
and in 1661 ordered it to be buried in a pit in St. Margaret's 
Church yard. This act of unexampled meanness rankled in 
the hearts df his descendants so as to render them willing to 
leave their country on any convenient opportunity ofiering. 
Colonel Joseph Blake, his second son, sold out his estate in 



28 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

Somersetshire, in 1682, and, as tlie friend and trustee of Lord 
Berkeley, one of the proprietors, came with his young family 
and a number of " substantial persons " to the Province ; 
amongst whom were Lady Axtell, the mother of Lady Blake, 
and Mr. Morton and family, he had married the sister of Jo- 
seph Blake, their son was Joseph Morton, who signalized 
himself in IVOS, in the upper house of assembly, as the friend 
of religious liberty, by voting against the establishment of 
the Church of England as the religion of the State, but he 
was refused permission to enter his protest on the journals of 
the house. They had left the Old for the N'ew World, not 
only for the enjoyment of civil but religious liberty. The 
Rev. William Screven,who had left Somerton, an inland town, 
thirteen miles south of Wells, and fifty from Exeter, Devon- 
shire, was settled at Kittery on the Piscataqua River, county 
of York, and Province of Maine, in 1681, there he was una- 
ble to maintain his ground more than a short time, such was 
the persecution that they fled, the greater part of the congre- 
gation with their minister, in October, 1682, and located 
themselves on Cooper River, a few miles above Charles Town, 
and called the settlement " Somerton " from their English 
home. Lady Axtell and her daughter Lady Blake, rejoiced 
at the arrival of this Baptist minister,who had but a few years 
previously left their immediate neighborhood in the other 
Hemisphere ; they contributed largely to the establishment 
of their sect, and Mr. Blake, himself, although not a commu- 
nicant, at least entertained the sentiments of the Baptist, and 
favored their cause, as he also did that of the Episcopalians 
and Presbyterians or Congregationalists. He came eleven 
years after the first Thomas Smith, who, you recollect, was 
also from the south west of England, and soon became steady 
friends to the close of the Landgrave's life, when he left to 
his care his son George until of age. His son Thomas had, at 
the age of twenty, in 1690, intermarried with Sarah, the 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 29 

eldest daughter of Colonel Joseph Blake, his other daughters 
were subsequently united to Mr. Moore, Mr. Boone and 
Mr. Izard. Colonel Blake and Paul Grimball, another Bap- 
tist, Thomas Smith, Benjamin Schencking, William Dunlop 
and John Far, are the names that we find in 1687, associa- 
ted with that of the Governor, James Colleton, forming the 
committee for revising the Fundamental Constitution, pre- 
pared for the lords proprietors, by the celebrated John Locke, 
or rather forming a new code "The Standing Laws," as they 
called them, which they transmitted to England, but the pro- 
prietors rejected them, insisting on the observance of the 
former laws, yet all the while the people treated them with 
indifference and neglect. Sir John Yeomans, James Cartaret, 
and John Locke were the first created Landgraves, to make 
the highest degree of the nobility required by the Constitu- 
tion. With respect to the French refugees, the national anti- 
pathies began to abate ; they had cleared httle spots and 
raised the necessaries of life, been .quiet and pious. Yet, one 
man only could boast of great success ; he had taught the 
Indians dancing and music, for which they liberally rewarded 
him. The ladies Axtell and Blake were a great accession to 
the infant church ; it was built upon the Wando River,which 
runs into the Cooper. After the removal from Somerton to 
Charles Town, Lady Axtell presented to the First Baptist 
Church the glass chandelier, which was a long time in the sec- 
ond building, the Seaman's place of worship. The third church 
has been erected on the lot No. 61, the site of the first. 
Should my endeavor be appreciated, I shall be pleased, in 
some future number, to give a full account of the arrival of 
the Rev. Wm. Screven, and the establishment of his faith in 
the province. One of his numerous grandsons intermarried 
with your family, as I shall soon show you, but, at this time, 
we will retrograde. For the better comprehending of the fol- 



30 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

lowing pages, I will introduce here, the first divisions of the 
Province of Carolina : 

1st. Berkeley County was the space around the capital, in 
which resided Sir Nathaniel Johnson, Madam Moore and 
sons, Thomas Smith and family, West, Bayly, Daniel, God- 
frey, Mathews, Izard, Colleton, Grimball and others. 

2d. Craven was to the Northward, settled by the quiet 
French. 

3d. Colleton, containing Port Royal and the Islands in its 
vicinity to the distance of thirty miles, with two hundred free- 
holders to vote for delegates to the assembly, amongst whom 
were Yeomans, Blake, Bo(^e, Schencking, Gibbes and others. 

4th. Carteret lay to the south-west, occupied only by the 
Indians. 
X Well, my young friend, let us come now to the " last will 
and testament of him, we have been delighting to honor." It 
reads thus : " I, Thomas Smith, Sr., Esquire of Carolina, being 
of perfect memory and understanding, doe make and ordaine 
this to be my last Will and,Testament, in manner and form^ 
following : Imprs. I give and bequeath unto my son George 
Smith, his choice of one of my mares, either yonger or 
old, which he liketh best, with my second best saddle and 
bridle. 

Item, I give unto my son George all my wearing apparell, 
as well linen as woolen, silk stuffe and cotton. I doe alsoe 
give unto my son George all my brick house in Charles 
Town, containing /owr roomes one above another, with conve- 
nient passage to and from it, to him and his heirs and as- 
signes for ever. 

Item, I give unto my son George, all my instruments that 
belong to Chirurgevy, and one half of all my medicines, and 
one half of all my books of whatever nature or kind soever : 
as alsoe one fether bed, two pair ofsheeUs^ivfo hlanketts, one 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 31 

rugg^ two pillows and one bolster, alsoe my large brass mor- 
tar and pestle, also one silver porenger, two silver spoons, my 
silver tankerd, two small silver salts, six heifers, six calves, and 
£20 current money of Carolina, to be paid unto my said son 
George, within three months after my decease, by my execu- 
tor, hereafter named, as alsoe foure leather chair es and one 
cedar table board, and thirty shillings vallew in table linnen. 

Item, I give and bequeath unto my grandson, Thomas 
Smith, my large silver tanckerd, to be nevertheless used by 
my son and executor, dureing his life time and repaired by 
him. 

Item, I give unto my faithful friend, Colonel Joseph Blake, 
for a remembrance of me, my silver tohaco box. 

Lastly, I bequeath all the rest of my j)roperty, my goods, 
reall and personally chatties, plantations, houses, lands, cattle 
and negroes, by what title soever they are held, to my eldest 
son, Thomas Smith, to his heirs and assignes for ever ; whom 
alsoe^ I make the sole executor of this my last Will and Testa- 
ment, excepting what relates to my son George, whose lega- 
cys herein specified, it is my meaning, shall be paid unto 
Colonel Joseph Blake, by my executor and son, Thomas 
Smith, unto ye use of my said son George, within foure 
months after my decease. And I doe earnestly pray and 
request the said Colonel Joseph Blake to be the overseer, 
counsellor and trustee for said son George, until he shall be- 
come twenty-one years of age. Witness my hand and seal 
the 26tli day of June, 1692. Thomas Smith, seal. This 
was signed, sealed and acknowledged, and published, in the 
presence of Peter Girard, James Ramsay, Joseph Blake, Hen- 
ry Wigington, Secretary." 

George, who was born in 1672, was then twenty. There, 
dear cousin, you have the will of the stern, clear-headed, faith 
abiding puritan. Still wielding the pen, I shall give you the 
inscription from his tomb stone. " Here lieth ye Body of the 



32 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

Right Honorable Thomas Smith, Esq., one of ye Landgraye 
of Carolina ; in ye forty-sixth year of his age." He died at 
the early age of forty-five-, after a virtuous and well-spent life, 
which we know to be the best security for happiness here- 
after. Of the Dissenting Church he was a zealous and ex- 
emplary member, and he was taken from her midst in the 
full career of his usefulness ; his beloved partner had ex- 
changed time for eternity, many years before, and of late his 
son Thomas' wife had " adorned her station " as mistress of 
Back River House, the large estate by the law of primogen- 
iture became his, George, his only brother, was studying 
medicine, and took his degree in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 
IVOO, the same year that consigned to the grave his excellent 
friend. Colonel Blake. The first Landgrave was buried on 
jUia Back River plantation, by the side of his Barbary. 

" And man, when in the grave, 
Can never quit its gloom, 
Until the eternal morn shall wake 
The slumber of the tomb." 

In the hope of rendering his character more enduring, I 
have run my pen over a few sheets of paper, giving the little 
information within my power. How often, in past times, did 
I throw open every closet, pull out each drawer, peep up the 
chimneys, and into each cobweb corner of the basement, in 
the vain hope of at last discoveriug a treasure of musty pa- 
pers, in some chest hid away at your mansion, such as would 
give full and satisfactory accounts of the family ; but no pa- 
pers, fraught with invaluable information, to an antiquary, 
were forth coming to bless my sight. No chance for a Family 
Tree, where Edith, Henry and Elizabeth could be seen 
flourishing like pretty green leaves on one of its branches. You 
must, therefore, thankfully accept these letters, containing all 
that I know. And the only reward that I shall claim is a 



THE OLDEN TIME OP CAROLINA. 33 

promise from you that as soon as you are of age, whicli will 
be some ten years hence, or so, you will send a mason to 
Back River, to put up a wall around your progenitor's tomb. 
Shall I tell you how it is desecrated ? Why the negroes use 
it as a stand for beehives, the stone is split in two, and may 
soon be thrown from its brick foundation ! Oh, tell it not in 
Gath, that he, who went down to an early grave, a martyr to 
his too great anxiety for the welfare of the Colony, should 
thus be neglected. He, who had large possessions, land in 
several places, previous to the grant of 48,000 acres in 1691, 
with operatives innumerable, cannot now have a coarse wall 
to keep the feet of intruders from his last resting place. 
Mr. Stoney has more than once offered bricks as a gift on the 
spot. Certainly the care of that grave will devolve upon you, 
my young cousin, as the lineal heir of the buried one. The 
original Thomas, was your great, great, great grandfather. 
You are the great, great grand son of the second Thomas, 
great grandson of Henry and the grandson of Thomas Smith, 
of Westoe, and son of his only son George Henry, late of 
Goose Creek, all from the elder branch ; therefore, master 
Thomas Henry, " thou art the man " to whom this sacred 
duty belongs, and whom in subsequent times will perform it. 
Not to flatter or make you proud, do I remind you of this 
fact, that, had the proprietory government continued, you 
would now possess the title of Landgrave, together with the 
honors, emoluments and lands derived from the patent, dated 
May the 13th, 1691. After reciting the authority of the 
proprietors to constitute titles, and honors in the Province, 
and to prefer men of merit, adorning such with titles and 
honors, and also stating the fundamental constitutions by 
which it was estabHshed, " that there should be Landgraves, 
and Cassiques, who would be perpetual and hereditary nobles 
and peers of the Province ; goes on to state that " Thomas 
mith, a person of singular merit, would be very serviceable 
2* 



34 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

by his great prudence and industry," then proceeds to consti- 
tute him a Landgrave, together with four baronies of twelve 
thousand acres of land each ; and it further declares "that 
the said title and four baronies should forever descend to his 
heirs, on paying an annual rent of a penny, lawful money of 
England, for each acre." Yet such have been the changes, 
which, in the course of a century and three fourths have taken 
place, that yours is the only known instance in which -any 
one of Mr. Locke's Carolina nobility can trace back its pedi- 
gree to the original founder. Does not that possess the elo- 
quence of Cicero, with which to persuade? Protect the grave 
of him, who, as early as 1688, obtained, in his own name, a 
grant of six acres of land on white point, and who, tradition 
tells us, obtained the passing of a law, the principle of which 
continues to this day, for drawing juries indiscriminately from 
a box, so as to preclude the possibility of packing a jury to 
carry any particular purpose. This tradition accords with 
authentic dates and facts, for on the 15th of October, 1692, 
the first law on that subject was passed and entitled "an act 
to provide indifferent jurymen in all cases, civil and criminal." 
This law, in common with others, passed on that day, was 
authenticated with the name of Thomas Smith, in conjunc- 
tion with Governor Philip Ludwell, Paul Grimball and Rich- 
ard Conant. That he was then a person of such influence as 
to have a principal agency in passing a favorite good law, is 
highly probable, for in seven months after, he was appointed 
Governor of the Province, where he became the founder of a 
numerous and respectable family. You belong to the sixth 
generation, and there are also some of the seventh. And 
now, young cousin, " remember thy Creator in the days of 
thy youth." Now, in the morning of thy years, and all is 
joy before thee ; forget not to improve the time, that in man- 
hood you may possess the principles of your ancestor^ so far 
as to be both patriotic and the zealous friend of religion. 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 35 

Among his descendants, I can point you to many distin- 
guished pillars, both of the Episcopal and Independent 
Churches. Now recollect that he had only two children, 
Thomas and George, the former had twenty, that is ten by 
each of his two wives, seven daughters and three sons by the 
first marriage, seven sons and three daughters by his union 
with your great, great grandmother, Mary Hyrne, of Ghost 
memory. The latter had only four children, your grand 
mother, Edith Smith, comes from one of those. Of the 
twenty-four grand children, there were seventeen married, 
their descendants have multiplied and filled the land, they 
have branched out into many more families than can ever be 
exactly ascertained. You may easily count up fifty descend- 
ants from the Rev. Josiah Smith, who was born in 1704, and 
was one of the seventeen married grand children, and about 
as many from his second son Josiah, the grandfather of the 
third Josiah, and great grand father of the fourth Josiah, now 
of Alabama, but, of this younger branch of the family, I can 
only promise you more in my second number, should the 
first prove acceptable to my friends ; and, my life be spared, 
the elder branch will give me full employment through this 
first number of my series of old stories. How sensibly has 
the historian. Dr. David Ramsay, remarked that " there is an 
evident fitness that the founder of so numerous a progeny, 
should be the introducer of Bice^ which, of all known grains, 
is best calculated for the support of an extensive population." 
We are told that as early as 1*731, this State exported thirty- 
nine thousand barrels of it, besides deer skins, furs, naval 
stores and provisions, and above 1,500 negroes were imported 
into it. "At that time, with only a few exceptions, the habi- 
tations in Charles Town were clumsy and miserable huts, five 
or six hundred houses of clap boards, plastered with lime 
within, made from oyster shells." Bricks were imported from 
Holland and England previous to that. I have been shown 



36 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

as assessment of the inhabitants of the Parish of St. James* 
Goose Creek, for January 1694, which states that Landgrave 
Thomas Smith, of Back river place,"has property at Goose creek 
to the amount of £2,773. Edward Hyrne, (the future father of 
Mary,) had £212. Thomas Smith, (son of the Landgrave,) 
then twenty-four years of age,) bad £604. Colonel James 
Moore, £361. Madam Maurice Moore, £167. John Owen, 
David Webster, Thomas Flud, Nicholas Bennett, Mordica 
Nathan, Edward Webb, Daniel Dean, a wheelwright, John 
Eedwood, overseer ; Stephen Monck, a cooper ; J. Eldress, 
D. McDaniel, J. Flud, a carpenter ; Edward Keating, Peter 
Villeponteau, Moses Mereau, Eichard Singleberry, William 
Weston, a weaver ; Thomas Baker, Jr., blacksmith ; James 
Brown, James Bernard, overseer ; William Norman, Thos. 
Baker, Senr., Humphrey Hawkins, Samuel Bisco, James 
Baker, John Rattoone, Robert Stevens, Esqr., Mrs. Ann 
Carvon, Roger Gofife, James Lawson, Richard Baker, Jo- 
seph Garrat, Bryan Realy, Captain George Chicken, £l,S20. 
(Forty-six years after this date, in 1740, his son George 
married Lydia Child, he died in 1745, aged thirty-six, and 
in 1747, his widow became Mrs. Elias Ball, of Kensington, 
St. John's Parish.) James Ogilby, overseer, £218. James 
Winlock, £2,419. Captain Arthur Middleton, £4,003. 
Captain David Davis, £3,328. Captain Benjamin Schenck- 
ing, £1,332. Colonel Grange's estate, £l,643. Robert 
Howe, Madame Elizabeth Gaillard, £2,234. Mrs. Willoughby 
and sons, £1,233. Benjamin Gibbes and Brothers, £1,089. 
Dr. Nathaniel Snow, £1,382. James and Jacob Snow, Jo- 
nathan Goodby, Sr., John June, John Roberts, Peter Lamb, 
Benjamin Dennis, Madame Emperor, £339. John Feate, 
Mrs. Frost at David Deas, £156. James Deal ton, John Her- 
bert, Mr. Gill, Shepherd and Bullins, £ 1,042. Peter St. Ju- 
lien, for Mr. Louis Pasquereau, £350, (his mother, Madalene 
Chardon, widow of Louis Pasquereau, wa,s then the wife of 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 3 7 

Captain Philip Gendron, of Santee, of whom I shall be pleased 
to give information in a third or fourth number if desired.) 
Robert Chambers, John Saunders, Richard Edgehill, Francis 
and Peter Guerin, Abraham Le Plane, Gideon Fisherau, 
(Faucheraud) his son Charles married Jane Smith, John 
Stone^ J. Beard, Madera Allen's plantation ; Mr. Pople, Jona- 
than Fitz, Benjamin Marion, the Huguenot emigrant, (Dr. 
Geddings' Elm plantation, now takes in his land,) John Par- 
ker, Mr. Floree, £80. Ben Wood, David Galloway,; £44. 
John Pight, Sarah Barker, John Ei^bj^n, .£540, (b,e married 
Miss' Ann Barker, and their grand daughter, Asi^i^ptlbien, 
was your great grand mother, for she became the tirst" wife of 
Henry Smith, Esq.; they were the parents of your own grand 
father, Thomas Smith, of Westoe, St. George's Parish, and 
of your great Aunt, Anne, Mrs. John Smith Waring, late of 
the same place.) Thomas Barker (was Mrs. John Filbien's 
father ; ) John Wright, John Brown, Mr. Ashe, a black- 
smith ; Captain James Saunders, William White, a carpen- 
ter; Dr. Christian Cooper, Joseph Mead, Benjamin Godin, 
Mr. Mazyck, Henroyda Inglish, John Hasford, Captain John 
Neve, Edward Weekly. Landgrave Smith again, £1,662." 
Is it not very pleasant to know so many of the names of 
the early comers ? and to trace some of them down to our 
own times? It might lead us to comment on the "ups and 
downs " of life, on the changes of fickle fortune. Oh, those 
happy days of rural enjoyment in Carolina, before sad expe- 
rience had brought us acquainted with our treacherous cli- 
mate. Our fore-fathers made the country their residence 
during a great part of the year, only attracted to the town 
by business or pleasure, for short visits at a season. As early 
as 1714, the Church of St. James was built, there, young 
ladies of eminent beauty and perfect refinement of manners 
were to be met with, who, although at that time, seemed to 
feel themselves removed to an immense distance from dear 



38 THE OLDEN TIME OP CAROLINA. 

old merry England, it would be a grievous mistake to sup- 
pose, were not possessed of many comforts. Even those 
who brought slender means, soon began to procure a mode- 
rate competence. Greatly was the country to be preferred to 
that labyrinth of narrow lanes, dignified with the name of 
town. And who would have thought of such handsome 
things being sent out for Colonial traffic, as the store adver- 
tisements prove to have been the case — 100 years ago, they 
had every thing for sale that we can now boast of. In my next 
I will introduce you to the second Landgrave Smith, your 
great, great grand father, he who so stoutly battled the 
watch with Sir Nathaniel Johnson, in IVOS, the Dissenter 
against the " High Church Governor." 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 39 



LETTER IV. 

" Old times are coming back to me, 
Like music o'er tiie sounding sea ; 
The merry times when they. 
The lads and maidens young and gay, 
Went out to have a day of glee, 
Down by the sounding sea." 

Charleston, March 16th, 1851. 
Come let you and I together continue our peep into the 
past, connecting it with the present, we will go back to those 
primeval times of Carolina, when a cup of tea was considered 
a rare luxury, confined to those white days when a friend 
called in to chat away a social afternoon ; trying to investi- 
gate the true cause of the death of her host tabby cat, or to 
resume that theme for endless regret that " so many of the 
new comers were still crowded in low wooden sheds, and re- 
galed with sour buttermilk, and a viand which although dig- 
nified with the name of venison, they did strongly suspect 
was nothing better than bear or wolf flesh." Trials consid- 
ered of sufficient importance by those kind-hearted dames to 
call forth a shower of tears and a breeze of sighs, forgetful 
that compassion, like all other feelings, should be under the 
government of reason. Yes, we have gone back to old Caro- 
lina's halcyon times when it was gravely recommended that 
all should be pedestrians, if indeed they must go abroad at 
all, since it would be a proof of great activity and good man- 
agement in any equestrian, who could put his horse safely 
through the wilderness, or keep himself from the exalted fate 



40 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

of Absalom. You know that I possess information more 
complete and minute than can ever again be obtained on 
these subjects ; all have paid the debt of nature, who used 
accurately to describe to me the changes that had taken place 
within their own recollection. How that busy and thriving 
race had loved each other, if of the same nation. When they 
knew of the sick they repaired thither, and if a three-stringed 
fiddle was heard at a neighbors' door, you may rest assured 
they were all in attendance, and should any unlucky wight re- 
fuse to take part in whatever was proposed for the innocent 
amusement of the whole, they rendered themselves the theme 
for endless jest. Your great grandfather Henry Smith, who 
was born in 1727 and died in 1780, used to tell your grand- 
father Thomas, who repeated the same to me, much o 
" hearsay" of the fifty-seven years previous to his birth, and 
of the first ten of his existence, but of all that occurred from 
1737, he could give his own evidence. His father had as- 
sured him that in his courting days, young girls received 
their beaus at three o'clock, having dined at twelve, expect- 
ing them to withdraw about six o'clock, as many families re- 
tired to bed at seven in the winter, and seldom extended their 
sittiug in summer beyond eight o'clock, some of their father's 
having learned to obey the curfew toll in England. In those 
days, one hundred and fifty years ago, their rooms were all 
uncarpeted, the rough sides of the apartments remained the 
natural color or complexion of whatever wood the house 
chanced to be built of. Rush-bottomed chairs were furnished 
instead of the hair seating, or crimson velvet of our day, and 
without which, and a handsome sofa to match, many do not 
think it would be possible to exist. We know that most per- 
sons are pleased with the history of their ancestors, and you 
may safely read my account of yours with quiet nerves, for 
you shall have all fact, without a single improbabihty. We 
are now to pass in review of some of the most respectable 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 41 

among the " oldest inhabitants" of the town and country, 
especially those who acquired notoriety, whether in official or 
in private stations. The acts of men, who for liberty of con- 
science, had bid defiance to any hardship to which they might 
be exposed, were too important, and too full of consequence 
to be passed over without proper regard and attention, many 
of whom were easy, good-tempered, gentlemanly and upright 
christians. 

Already have I hinted at the dignified and impressive Sir 
Nathaniel Johnson. His portrait, now in the possession of 
Dr. Barker, of South Mulberry, I have seen at Mr. Jackson's 
room, dressed in a coat of mail, as your great grandfather 
saw the original, whom he, Thomas the second Landgrave, 
did brave to his face, declaring that "he is but weak, though 
locked up in steel, whose conscience with injustice doth accuse 
him," for which, exit Smith from the House of Assembly in 
the custody of the messenger, in 1704. The former went 
down to his grave nine years after. The latter flourished on 
until 1738, doing his country good service by raising a large 
family, and cultivating the rice with which they were fed. 
The glorious revolution of 1688, placed William, Prince of 
Orange, on the Throne of England, who, although he main- 
tained the power of the established church, often discovered 
a secret attachment to Presbyterians, and on all occasions 
treated them with moderation and lenity, hence, many of the 
zealous friends of the church, alarmed at its dangerous situa- 
tion, were eagerly bent, not only in support of its constitu- 
tion, but even of its minutest forms, usages and vestments. 
Lord Granville, after he was called up to the House of Peers, 
bad there distinguished himself as an inflexible bigot for the 
High Church, entertaining the most supercilious contempt 
for all dissenters. He was now also Palatine of Carolina, 
and showed that the establishment of Episcopacy, and the 
suppression of all other modes of religious worship here, was 



42 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

the chief object of his attention and zeal. As a man better 
suited to assist him in the accomphshment of his design, 
James Moore easily obtained a confirmation of his election to 
the government, and Landgrave Morton was set aside. A 
great majority of the colonist were dissenters, to whom 
neither the gloom of thick forest, nor the ravages and depre- 
dations of savages, appear to them so grievous as conformity 
to the Church of England, and this attempt at establishing 
the church by a provincial law, served to alienate the peo- 
ples' affection not a little from the proprietors. King Wil- 
liam died on the 8th of March, 1*702, and the crown de- 
volved on Anne Stuart, who although in truth no friend to 
the whig party, declared that she would make the late King's 
conduct the model of her own, and maintain the succession 
to the crown in the Protestant line. In 1702, Sir N. John- 
son received a commission from John, Lord Granville, invest- 
ing him with the government of Carolina, to which office a 
salary of £200 was annexed. He had been bred a soldier 
from his youth, and had been also a member of the House of 
Commons ; he was well qualified for the trust. It being sus- 
pected that he was no friend to the revolution, the Proprietors 
could not obtain her Majesty's approbation of him, but on cer- 
tain terms ; " that he qualify himself for the office as the laws 
of England required, that he give security for his observing the 
laws of trade and navigation, and obey such instructions as 
should be sent out from time to time. And the Lords Com- 
missioners of trade and plantations, were ordered to take care 
that good and sufficient security be given by him." From 
the Proprietors he had instructions to follow such rules as had 
been given to former Governors. He was to endeavor to dis- 
pose of their lands at £20 for one thousand acres, and in all 
future grants to make them escheat to the Proprietors, unless 
settled in four years. He was to take especial care that the 
Indians were not abused or insulted, but to make friends of 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 43 

them, in order to protect the colony from tlae Spaniards. 
From the year 1686, to that of 1689, Johnson had been 
Governor of Nevis, St. Christopher's, Monserrat, and Antiqua, 
commonly called the '* Leeward Islands." Soon after the 
termination of his government he became a private inhabi- 
tant of Carolina, particularly alkred by the hope of making 
silk, a^d commenced the settlement of " Silk Hope," in St. 
Thomas' Parish, for that purpose. It is there that he is bu- 
ried, having lived retired from 1709 to '13, when he died. 
Through respect to his memory, the grave was surrounded 
by a brick wall at the expense of Mr. Gabriel Manigault, who 
purchased the plantation many years after the death of the 
old knight. In" 1689, he gave up the government of the 
Islands, and 1*709 that of this province, just twenty years 
after, having held the first office three, and the latter six 
years. He was fond of projects, and one for making salt 
engaged his attention, to that settlement on Sewee bay, he 
gave the name of " Salt Ponds." The establishment of the 
church continued to be the chief object in view with the Pro- 
prietors. The Palatine, a bigot for this mode of ecclesiastical 
worship and government. The Governor strongly attached 
to it, James Moore was made Receiver-General, and Nicholas 
Trott, the Attorney-General, were men of the same cast, as- 
sisted by a majority of the council, they now began to con- 
cert measures with art and skill, and to pursue them with 
firmness and resolution for accomplishing their end. 

Gov. Johnson regarding dissenters as enemies to the con- 
stitution of both Church and State, framed a bill in such a 
manner as to exclude them entirely from the House of Re- 
presentatives. It required every man who should be chosen 
a member of the Assembly to take the oaths, and subscribe 
the declaration appointed by it, to conform to the religion 
and worship of the Church, and to receive the sacrament of 
the Lord's Supper according to the rights of the Church. 



44 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

The dissenters, a numerous and powerful body, raised a great 
outcry against it, and many formed resolutions of abandoning 
the colony. The inhabitants of Colleton county remonstra- 
ted, and Mr. John Ashe embarked for England, as their 
agent, to state the case. Gov. Johnson used all means to 
prevent his obtaining a passage, finally he escaped to Vir- 
ginia, and sailed from thence. Lord Granville gav^him a 
very cold reception, only promising to write" to the Governor 
and inquire. Mr. Ashe then began to draw up a representa- 
tion of their case for the press ; but he sickened and died, 
his papers fell into the hands of his enemies to be used against 
him. He was a man of warm and passionate temper, pos- 
sessed of those violent sentiments which ill usage naturally 
kindle in the human breast. His representations intended as 
an appeal to the nation in general, for the sufferings of the 
people under the tyrannical proprietory government, was full 
of heavy cbarges against Johnson and his party, who having 
advanced so far, now resolved to proceed in spite of every 
obstacle. He then constituted, what the inhabitants took to 
be, a high commission court, like that of James the II. 
Twenty lay persons formed a corporation, with full power to 
deprive ministers of their livings at pleasure, for immorality, 
imprudence, or prejudice taken against them. When honest 
John Archdale spoke up for the dissenters, who had not yet 
forgotten the hardships they suffered in England from acts of 
uniformity. The Palatine, tyrannical as bigoted, put an end 
to the dispute by telling him, " Sir, you are of one opinion, 
I of another, our lives may not be long enough to end the 
controversy ; I am for the bills, and this is the party that I 
will head and support." 

The following letter was sent to Sir Nathaniel : — 
" Sir, the great and pious work which you have gone 
through with such unwearied and steady zeal, for the honor 
and i?^orship of Almighty God, we have also finally per- 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. . 46 

fected on our part, and our ratification of that act for erecting 
churches, etc., we despatch to you by Capt. Flavel." 

They now began to erect churches in the country, the first 
was in 1703, in St. Thomas' Parish, on the eastern side of 
the east branch of Cooper River, called Pompion Hill, it is 
now the chapel. Built by the private subscription of the 
parishioners, and the liberal assistance of Sir N. Johnson. It 
was of cypress, thirty feet square. In 1766 it was rebuilt, 
then of brick, for which the Assembly allowed £200 sterling. 
Mr. Gabriel Manigault, of Charles Town, gave £50 sterling, 
with nine hundred and fifty red tiles for the floor, which cost 
£10 sterling more. The Parish church, of brick, was 
finished in 1708, on a neck of land on the northwest side of 
Wando river. Some dissenters were for removing to set 
down under William Penn's free and indulgent government. 
Others proposed an application to the House of Lords, that 
they would intercede with her Majesty for their relief. A pe- 
tition was carried over by Mr. Joseph Boone ; several mer- 
chants in London joined the petitioners. In the early part of 
1706 the petition was presented, claiming indulgence for all 
Christians in the free exercise of their religion, and that none 
should be shut out from being members of the General Assem- 
bly, or from any other office in the civil administration. It 
stated that the charter being given soon after the happy res- 
toration of Charles II., and the re-establishment of the 
Church of England by the act of uniformity, many of the sub- 
jects of the Kingdom, who were so unhappy as to have some 
scruples about conformmg to the rights of said church, did 
transplant themselves and families into Carolina ; by means 
whereof the greatest part of the inhabitants there were Pro- 
testant Dissenters from the Church. But, that all the inhab- 
itants lived in peace, that even the ministers of the church 
had support from the dissenters." Having heard what Grand- 
ville had to say in his behalf, the lords agreed to address 



46 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

Queen Anne, in favor of the distressed petitioners of Carolina. 
The address ran thus : •' We, your Majesty's dutiful subjects, 
having thus humbly presented our opinion of these acts, be- 
seech you to use the most eflfectual methods to deliver the 
province from the arbitrary oppressions under which it now 
lies, and with our address we lay their petition before you ; 
not doubting you will extend your compassion to those who 
have the misfortune to be at so great a distance from your 
royal person, &c., &c." The Queen thanked the House for 
laying these matters so plainly before her, and promised to do 
all she could to relieve her subjects in Carolina," but the to- 
pic dropped for the present. Although the colonists heard 
nothing of what had passed in England, of those grievous 
acts, they became more sensible of their oppressive nature and 
pernicious consequences ; several had removed to Pennsylva- 
nia. Archibald Stobo, the Presbyterian minister, who had 
been cast upon our shore in ITOO, was ever warmly opposed 
to the establishment ; he possessed talents that rendered him 
conspicuous and respected ; to his treasures of knowledge 
and excellent capacity for instruction, he added activity and 
diligence in the discharge of the various duties of his sacred 
function, no minister of the colony had engrossed so univer- 
sally the public favor and esteem. The Governor and his ad- 
herents found it necessary to sow the seeds of division among 
his followers, and to magnify his failings, in order to ruin his 
great power and influence ; accusing him of avariciousness 
and a too great love of power. Many wise and religious men 
of all sects, condemned the strange proceedings of the Legis- 
lature. 

At length, from those domestic troubles, attention was drawn 
off by a project formed for invading Carolina ; the Spaniards^ 
pretending a right to it on the plea of their prior discovery, as 
a part of Florida. Sii' Nathaniel set all hands to work upon 
the fortifications, and trained men to the use of arms. Am- 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROtlNA. 4Y 

muDition was stored up. Fort Johnson erected, trenches cast 
upon White Point, and other places ; a guard stationed on 
Sullivan's Island, with orders to kindle fires opposite to the 
town, equal to the number of ships ' they might spy on the 
coast. Five were lighted, Johnson being at Silk Hope, Lieu- 
tenant Colonel William Rhett, commanding officer of the mi- 
litia, ordered the drums to beat, and the whole of the inhabi- 
tants to be put under arms. Letters were sent to the Gov- 
ernor and all the Captains, to fire their alarm guns, raise their 
companies, and march speedily to town. Johnson found the 
inhabitants in great consternation : but he being a man of 
courage and skilled in the arts of war, his presence inspired 
them with fresh courage and hope. He proclaimed martial 
law at the head of the militia, and sent to the Indian tribes 
in alliance with the colony, bringing a number to his assist- 
ance. Great guns were put on board of such ships as were 
in the harbor. Mr. Rhett, possessed of conduct and spirit, re- 
ceived a commission to be vice admiral of this little fleet, and 
hoisted his flag on board the crown galley. Captain Canty^ 
from your parish, St. James', Goose Creek, with one hundred 
chosen men, was ordered to pass the river Wando, at night, 
and watch a party that had landed on the neck of Wando. 
Have you not a right to believe that your great grandfather, 
Thomas Smith, the second Landgrave and future captain of 
that company, was then one of those chosen men ? certainly 
you have. Out of eight hundred — French and Spanish — who 
came against this little band, nearly three hundred were killed 
or taken prisoners ; amongst the latter was Monsieur Arbuset, 
the compiander-in-chief by land, with several sea officers. Our 
loss was incredibly small. The Governor publicly thanked us 
for the unanimity and courage shown in repelling the inva- 
ders, and soon after we received the congratulations of the 
Proprietors. 

About this time, the long projected union between England 



48 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

and Scotland took place in Britain in 1707, fifth of Queen 
Anne. You must bear ever in mind, my dear young friend, 
that you are not to consider this volume as a work of taste, or 
a piece of beautiful composition, but a veritable history, both 
of public and private events, intended as an encouragement to 
you to do well ; my design is to inculcate principles of reli- 
gion and virtue, and my prayers are that you may ever hold 
fast by that sheet anchor of happiness, that you will often want 
in the times of most danger, and through the storms and tem- 
pests of life. Then will it be that religion alone can sustain ; 
or take you triumphantly to that Heaven for which your life 
and studies should be a continual preparation. Acquaint 
yourself early with the sacred volumes, they are the invalua- 
ble repositories of the richest wisdom. In the walks of the most 
pohshed society, you will find them prized by young ladies of 
the highest talents and amiability, and, from amongst such, 
you are to make a selection of friends. Believe me, that no- 
thing but sincere affection could have tempted to this " labor 
of love," one, whose only desire is to spend the remainder of 
her days in retirement and tranquillity, forgetting as forgot- 
ten by the world. 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 49 



LETTEE V. 

" Thou shalt not rob me, thievish time, 

Of all my blessings, all my joy ; 
I have some jewels in my heart. 

Which thou art powerless to destroy." 

Charleston, March 20th, 1851. 

We return, dear Henry, to the second Landgrave, Thom- 
as Smith, who was born in England, in 1670. Well, 

" A train band Captain Eke, was he 
Of famous Goose Creek Town," 

Which was represented in 1702, to the society in England, as 
" one of the largest and most populous country towns, and 
settled by English families entirely, most of whom were affect- 
ed to the church." They had the Rev. Samuel Thomas 
sent out to them as a missionary ; he visited his home in 
1*705, returned in October, and died a few days after. Well, 
let me tell you, this second Smith was gifted with more 
nerve, and troubled with less of that mauvais honte, that 
may keep you as it has done too many of your name or 
blood, from prospering in a world where effrontery carries 
the day ; how he did contend with the grim old knight in 
1703, and how for vilifying and abusing the government and 
House of Assembly in 1704, he was on the 9th of October^ 
taken into the custody of the Messenger, all of which shall 
be reserved for another time, my thoughts reverting at this 
moment to more agreeable topics. Let us look back to 
3 



50 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA, 

those days when he first took possession of the family man- 
sion, and show it forth in all its glory, long the pride of your 
ancestors, in which feeling you and many more of their pos- 
terity readily sympathize. Then was it in 1694, fresh from 
the hands of the architect and the artist. We are told that 
it was a massive structure, built as a defence against the In- 
dians, as that was then a frontier country. It had port-holes 
in the basement wall, and a breast-work around the dwel- 
ling, that in the cellar was a deep well, dug for supplying the 
garrison with water in the event of a siege ; the caving in of 
which, about 40 years ago, caused a part of the wall to give 
way, in consequence of which. Dr. J. E. Poyas had the well 
filled up, and the brick-work repaired. Eooms were kept 
well filled with provisions in case of need. We are further 
informed that " from the cellar there was a subterraneous 
passage under the garden, and coming out in the grave yard 
beyond it — and in this age of probabilities, I will make bold 
to say, that a flat stone covered and hid the entrance thereto, 
and no doubt by way of deception, had an inscription upon 
it, relating to an imaginary being, bearing some unheard of 
name — the passage was also continued on to the creek, where 
boats were securely tied." Then, as regarded the interior, 
we are positively assured that the hand of skill had been at 
work upon it. The walls of the hall was painted in land- 
scapes, the little cherubs that spread their tiny wings above 
the arches, were dressed in a coat of gold. The guest cham- 
ber was hung in Goblin tapestry, even your great, great aunt 
Anne Waring, of Tranquil Hill, who attended her sister 
Elizabeth Ball there in December, 1*764, on her nuptials 
with your great grand father, Henry Smith, Esq., sou of the 
second Landgrave, and Mary Hyrne, saw all these things in 
a good state of preservation, and loved to tell of them ; she 
was then 11 years of age, and you must have remarked in 
Mr. Elerton's journal, from 1740 to 1*750, what a thorough 



THE OLDEN' TIME OF CAROLINA. 51 

repair the house had undergone, for " Madam Smith " was 
a lady of energy and decision, prompt in her movements, 
and firm in her determinations. Over the back porch of the 
mansion there was a small room with an entire double floor 
and trap-door, in which the family was accustomed to con- 
ceal its valuables during times of alarm from Indians. Our 
much admired Dr. John Irving tells us that " in more peace- 
ful times this place was almost forgotten, except by a boy 
called Paul, who hid himself there for three weeks, during 
the day, but came out every night to make merry with his 
friends, whilst his kind-hearted mistress, the lovely Mary, the 
widow of Thomas Smith, regretted him as drowned, or car- 
ried off by savages." From that time it has borne the name 
of Paul's Hole ; it was afterwards repaired, and the door 
secured, probably by his own hands, for in your journal you 
see frequent mention of him as a carpenter, and finally of 
his going with his bride to church, and they were united by 
the Rev. Mr. Mellichamp. Then our pleasant Doctor goes 
on to tell us that " in the next generation, the Revolutionary 
struggle occurred ; and like many other plantations, this place 
had its guardian spirit among the negroes, to whom, in the 
absence of the males, the protection of the females of a 
family was committed. There lived and flourished a very honest 
trust-worthy fellow named Bob ; many a comfort did he se- 
cure for his * misses, and the little Chilians, ' in this very 
receptacle (Paul's Hole.") He adds, " the history of Bob is 
that of many a worthy domestic of the ' olden times ;' one 
of that respectable class of grey-headed family servants, 
which * a native and to the manor born,' never passes with- 
out involuntarily removing his hat, forcibly reminding him, 
as they do, that his fathers once lived, and had ' a local hab- 
itation and a name ' in Charles Town. This class of people, 
we regret to say, like many other good things in Carolina, is 



62 THE OLDEN* TIME OF CAROLINA. 

fast passing away." Then Ihe adds, " in the hall, a large 
round hole may be seen in the wall, left on purpose, that the 
clock being placed against it, might tell more distinctly the 
hours to those occupying the rooms-above stairs — some sol- 
diers during the war, entirely destroyed the fine time-piece. 
On the same occasion they discovered and seized a very val- 
uable gold chain, which, unfortunately, was upon Mrs. Smith's 
dressing-table ; they then made diligent search for the watch, 
but that escaped, for it lay hid in a secret drawer at the 
back of an old English set of drawers. A well near the 
house, 100 feet deep, fixed with a chain and bucket, had 
been kept, until lately, (1842) in common use. The spring 
that flowed into the well, also filled a spacious pond below 
the hill, which was generally well stocked with fish. On a 
dark night, some of the younger members of the family 
used, sometimes, to carry torches round the water's edge, to 
tempt the fisli to come up, if they did, they were immedi- 
ately speared^ and thrown out upon the ground. About a 
mile from the house, there is a stream of such sparkling 
aspect, and so clear, as to have acquired the appellation of 
'the silver spring;' this the water company ofllered to pur- 
chase, to supply the City with water, and plenty of it," But 
now for a long time we have been making fruitless efforts to 
bring water from our antipodes. Heaven help us, that we do 
not catch a stream of liquid fire, a torrent of lava. Every 
trace, dear Henry, of which we have been speaking, had 
long since disappeared from your home before my first visit 
to it in 1812, as well as from the other mansions to be found 
in that once aristocratical quarter of the State. The ample 
garden with artificial steps, glaciers, &c., had all vanished, 
true, the subterraneous entrance to the Yeoman House, still 
remained, but filled up with rubbish ; the httie room had as 
ever its double floor and trap-door, but who now would, like 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 53 

the adventurous Paul, go between the former, or ever recol- 
lect to shut down the latter, with the design of keeping 
the hiding-place a secret ? 

And now pursuing the train of thought which flows natu- 
rally from the subject of those spoken of towards the close 
of my last letter, I am induced to express my regret that 
three such good men as Gov. N. Johnson, Landgrave Smith, 
and Mr. Joseph Boone, should have engaged in such bitter 
and unscrupulous opposition to each other, carrying on their 
recriminations thus publicly with such an unchristian spirit. 
The former was an old man, full of zeal and strong party- 
prejudice. In his own mind it was clearly established, that 
he was performing his duty, and so likewise do I resolve to 
do mine ; for like that fine historian and patriotic gentleman, 
the late Dr. David Ramsey, I disdain every feeling of preju- 
dice, and in this contest where diversity of opinion must be 
found, willingly grant the tribute of praise to both parties, 
for steadily supporting the principles, each had conscien- 
tiously adopted. " Yes, like that good man^I have resolved 
to follow the attractions of truth, whithersoever it shall lead, 
knowing how much more honorable it is to write impartially 
for the good of posterity, than to condescend to be the apol- 
ogist of a party." In Johnson's speech, delivered the 20th 
of October, 1709, after Mr. Boone's petition to Queen Anne, 
in behalf of the Dissenters, he tells us in pathetic strains 
that " he is an old man nearly worn out with sickness and 
age, that he had many infirmities, and stood in need of a 
little indulgence." Could friends have weeded his mind 
from its capital error, all denominations would have loved 
and respected him for the manly virtues he possessed, and 
the glow of piety breathed in the pages of his letters. Ho 
was a man of vigorous intellect and great decision of charac- 
ter ; dying calmly at the age of 80 years, at Silk Hope, in 
1713, and I have told you how that noble-hearted gentle. 



54 THE OLDEN TIME OP CAROLINA. 

man, Mr. Gabriel Manigault, through respect to his memory, 
had his grave enclosed many years after, having purchased 
the plantation ; forget not my dear, to do as much through 
respect for the memory of Landgrave Smith, the first, so 
high in favor with the proprietors as early as 1688, as to 
have received a large body of Jand called " White Point." 
Once on a visit at your late father's house, I rescued from 
your sister Susan, an old paper, which in her girlish glee> 
she had appropriated to the use of an iron-holder, and here 
are its contents : " The above plats, shaded yellow, represents 
eight divisions of the Lot No. 147, as is now staked out, 
belonging to the heirs of the second Landgrave Thomas 
Smith, Esq., at the desire of whom I have surveyed the 
same, to the southward thereof, and the Lot No. 151, lie 
the Lots No. 148 and 152, belonging to Capt. Garret Van- 
velson, and to the southward of them, lie the Lots No. 149, 
150 and 153, claimed and possessed by the public for a for- 
tification, by virtue of a reservation for that purpose, made in 
the said grant, passed December the 18th, 1688. By reason 
of the Meeting House-street being at present 80 feet more 
westward than what Charles Town plat lays down, occasions 
the Lot No. 118 to be almost, and the Lot No. 145 to be 
quite destroyed thereby, as is the Lot No. 154, by the en- 
croachment of Cooper river, which three lots, with the two 
pond Lots No. 295 and 296, do belong also to the heirs of 
Smith aforesaid. Certified July 8th, 1740, by George Hunter 
copy recorded, 14th of July, 1750, by George Hunter, Sur- 
veyor General." On another page we have : '' Smith's Town 
Lots divided off, the widow, Mary Smith, Miss Eliza Smith, 
(afterwards Dixon) Mrs. Justina Moore, Henry Smith, Thbs- 
Smith, the heirs of George Smith, (son by the first wife, 
Sarah Blake,) Mrs. Mary, the wife of Mr. James Screven, 
bounded east by Capt. Garret Vanvelson, north by Thomas 
Lamboll, Esq., westi by Mr. Fenwick's land." Another grant 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA, 55 

to the first Landgrave, who now occupies so small a space of 
ground, was made by the Lords on the 9th of September, 
1689, part of it on Medway river, part upon Coatbaw, and 
the land belonging to Mebshew. His son Thomas, in 1'704, 
was only 34, in full possession of wealth, health and happi- 
ness, blessed with an affectionate help-meet— Mr. Boone, his 
friend, was about his own age, and married .tohis wife's 
sister Anne, the daughter of Col. Blake, who tells us in her 
will that her mother survived her father, and gave her the 
plantation near Dorchester, which she named Mount Boone ; 
she willed the same to her nephew, the Hon. Joseph Blake, 
who changed the name to Newington ; the fine edifice was 
burnt to the ground a few years ago, by a spark from the 
chimney, it is said ; and the land, I think, now belongs to 
Mr. Henry Middleton. 

The Hon. proprietor Blake died on the Vth of September, 
lYOO, six years after the first Smith. Although a Dissenter, 
he was generous to the church ; it is recorded that his wife 
contributed liberally towards the adornment of the first St. 
Philip, which stood where the only St. Michael now stands. 
"It had been built in 1682, of black cypress, upon a brick 
foundation ; was large and stately, surrounded by a neat white 
palisade ; and in 1697, when the lot on Broad-street was 
bought for a yard, at the cost of £10 sterling, it was 
placed in trust of Blake and his successors forever. While 
he was Governor in 1696, the Rev. Samuel Marshall had 
been appointed minister of St. Philip ; hberty of conscience, 
with respect to religion, was then enjoyed by every one, A 
bill was brought into the Assembly for allowing Mr. M. and 
his successors forever, a salary of £150 sterling, together 
with a house, glebe and two servants, on the 8th of October, 
1698, as his income from the church was uncertain and pre- 
carious ; the glebe was given by Mrs. Affra, the widow of 
Oapt, John Coming, and was at some distance beyond the 



56 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

fortifications of the Town. Its site is in St. Philip's-street, 
near Beaufain, on the west, and the second parsonage on the 
ruins of the first, is now the kitchen of Mr. Henry Laurens 
Pinckney. On the 10th of December, 1698, Mrs. Coming 
gave the deed, signed and sealed, of the 17 acres of land on 
a part of which they w^ere building the parsonage, " a good 
brick house." Mr. Marshall died in the autumn of the ensu- 
ing year, (1699) of the Yellow Fever, which raged here to 
such a violent degree, that in the months of September and 
October the Town lost 160 persons, among whom were Mr. 
Ely, who had been made Receiver General only on the 26th 
of July ; Mr. Amory, Receiver for the Public Treasury ; Ewd. 
Rawhns, Marshal, Ewd. Bohun, Chief Justice, appointed May 
20th, 1698, and many capital merchants. The Rev.Ed.Marston, 
A.M., arrived in IVOO, and continued in this cure until 1705, 
when he was removed by the Board of Lay Commissioners, 
appointed by the Act of November 4th, 1704, two years 
after Sir Nathaniel's election. At that time it was computed 
that there was in the Province, 5,500 persons, besides In- 
dians and Negroes, there was but one clergyman of the 
church settled out of Town. The Rev. Wm. Corbin officia- 
ted in your Parish, St. James', Goose Creek ; and he had left 
in 1703. In 1700, on the death of Governor Blake, James 
Moore came into office. In June, 1702, the society appoint- 
ed the Rev. Samuel Thomas, for the conversion of the Yam- 
masee Indians, who surrounded the settlement, but Governor 
Johnson not deeming it a convenient season for that duty, 
appointed him to the cure of the people settled on the three 
branches of Cooper river, requiring him to reside at Goose 
Creek Town. The Indians had revolted from the Spaniards, 
and were unwilling to embrace Christianity ; he feared, should 
means be adopted for that purpose, they would leave the 
English interest, uniting themselves with some hostile tribe, 
and their friendship was deemed important. Mr. Thomas 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 5*7 

died in 1*705. On the 6th of May, 1*704, the General As- 
sembly had passed the hateful Act, that required all persons 
hereafter chosen members of the Commons House of As- 
sembly to conform to the worship, according to the Church 
of England, and to receive the Sacrament of the Lord's 
Supper with the same. Great opposition was made to such 
an unjust act. When, in 1706, Joseph Boone, the Dissent- 
er's agent in England, requested to be heard by council, 
the Palatine, (John Lord Granville) replied, " what busi- 
ness has council here ? It is a prudential act in me, and I 
will do as I see fit ; I see no harm at all in this Bill, and am 
resolved to pass it." The Rev. Edward Marston, rector of St. 
Philip, expressed himself with great warmth against this act. 
He was a man of violent passions, and involved himself in 
difificulties by reflecting on the proceedings, and abusing the 
members of the General Assembly ; he was deprived of his 
salary, and turned out of office. " Journal of the Commons 
House of Assembly, October the 10th, 1*704," was read a 
letter of Marston's, reflecting on this House, containing these 
words : " If the Lower House of Assembly now put upon 
their bold and saucy attempt." He was summoned to attend 
the House immediately, and went, but " denied any power 
over him." The House appointed James and William Senrr- 
urier, alias Smith, sons of a Huguenot refugee, to draw up 
the reflections which he had cast upon the House. He at- 
tended on the 18th of October, and heard the charo^e of hav- 
ing delivered to one of their members, a paper to be laid 
before them, containing scandalous reflections ; that he did 
the same in his sermons, that he refused to give an account 
of his actions to the government, which gave him a main- 
tainance, calling himself superior ; his authority being from 
Christ, and comparing the members to Korah and his rebel- 
lious companions ; he was charged with having meddled with 
the House and goYernment, saying that they proceeded ma- 
3* 



58 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

jiciously against him, because he visited Landgrave Thomas 
Smith, and that the House had proceeded illegally and arbi- 
trarily against that gentleman, and that they had done those 
things which they could not justify. On the lOth of Oct., 
1*704, he sent his answer, which was rejected. The same 
brothers then drew up the censure of the House, and he 
was summoned to hear it. Attended — refused to hear, and 
withdrew. The House, out of regard for his function, did 
not order him into the custody of the Messenger, (as they 
had previously done his friend Smith,) but desired him to be 
served with a copy of censure. It is thought evident from 
Marston's conduct, that although he was removed from office 
by a power having no canonical control over ecclesiastical 
affairs, yet he owed it more to his imprudent and litigious 
disposition, than to his having visited the Landgrave, a Dis- 
senter, while he was in custody of the Messenger of the 
Commons House of Assembly ; as asserted by himself and 
friends ; his ejectment long irritated them. Marston wrote to 
the Governor, and made a personal application to the House 
for the payment of his salary. Johiison complained that he 
was insulted " by his saucy letter," and rejected his apphca- 
tion. The latter heard him favorably, and sent an address 
to the Governor and Council, on the 30th of October, 1707, 
saying : 

" We do pray your Honors to show us such reasons, that 
we may be thereby satisfied why the said Dr. Edward Mar- 
ston should not be paid ? 

Thomas Smith, Speaker." 

This highly offended the Upper House, producing an an- 
gry reply, dated November 7th, l707 : 

" Shall we pay for having been abused in his sermons, 
and for his abuse of the government, which seems to entitle 
him to your favor^ otherwise you would never espouse his 
cause, Signed, Nathaniel Johnson " 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 69 

Marston was poor ; lie removed to Christ Churcli Parish. 
In the year 1708, his wife petitioned the House of Assembly 
for relief, for self and children. £150 was granted for the 
year, in monthly payments. In 1709, Marston was declared 
guilty of a breach of privilege towards some of the members 
of the House of Commons. He petitioned the House in 
1712 to discharge his debts, and furnish him with the means 
of removing his family from the province. The Rev. Richard 
Marsden, A.M. had been appointed in 1705, and continued 
until the arrival of Commissary Gideon Johnson, in 1707 ; 
(he was drowned in 1716, going to attend Gov. Craven, over 
the bar.) 

Now let us go back to your fore-father; the charges 
alleged against him were the following " Extract from Q-ov. 
Johnson's speech of the 5th of October, 1704, his second 
year in office : " 

" Landgrave Thomas Smith having in several of his letters 
under his hand and seal, vilified and abused this govern- 
ment, and your House in particular ; I lay the said letters 
before you, that you may take such measures as may make 
him sensible of his fault, and may deter all other persons, 
for the future, from committing the like offences against the 
government." 

Mr. Smith attended the House on the 9th of October, and 
having acknowledged the letters, was taken into the custody 
of the Messenger. 

The letters alluded to are as follows : 

Charles Toion^ June the 30th, 1703. 

To Mr. John Ashe : 

(Gone to Virginia, on his way to England, with their com- 
plaints, of which you have already been informed, and of his 
death there.) 

" Worthy Sir : — If you had not got over the bar as you 
did, I believe our famous Assembly w^ould have contrived 



60 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

some irregular proceedings to have stopped you by force. 
The very day they met, their malice was so much, that they 
sent two cunning orders to me, as I may call them, to bring in 
the public accounts. There is sent hence from our Assembly, 
a large letter containing several sheets of paper, with com- 
plaints, particularly against yourself^ but in general against 
the protesting members^ and some others, I hear. This letter, 
although it be sent hence from authority, yet they would not 
suffer it to be recorded in their journal, although several of 
the members of your county, (Colleton) urged that it ought 
to be entered ; they, also, would have protested, but they 
would not allow any such thing, saying it was not prece- 
dential in Parliament, although you got that liberty, they 
were resolved it should not be precedent, for you very well 
know they are following the works of darkness. Just at the 
breaking up of the Assembly, they passed a noble vote, and 
interpreted the Eegulating Bill, so that foreigners, as well as 
natural born subjects, had the liberty to vote, if they had 
been worth £10, and had been here three months. And 
honest Ealph, who loves slavery better than hberty, moved 
your Honorable Assembly to bring in a Bill to naturalize all 
foreigners next spring ; so that unless we have a Regulating 
Bill, and some other Acts passed in England for the good 
government of this country, I cannot see how we can pretend 
to live happy." 

Second letter to Mr. John Ashe. 

July 25tk, 1703. 

" Worthy Sir : — Enclosed you will find another copy of 
the famous vote of the Assembly, against blasphemy and 
profaneness, which they always make a great noise about, al- 
though they are some of the profanest in the country them- 
selves, yet you know great pretenders to religion and hones 
ty, for a colour for their roguery." 

We can scarcely condemn men of noble minds lYho were 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 61 

suflfering under the oppressive and tyrannical regulations es- 
tablished by the rulers of the church — these contending par- 
ties ran very high at that time. The Palatine and Gov. N. 
Johnson had doubled all the former distress of many, and 
served to complete their disaffection to this, their chosen 
home. The Dissenters, although they had never considered 
the church as pure, but as having receded only a few steps 
from Popery, and stiil maintaining the hierarchy in its full 
power and authority ; so far laid aside prejudice, in this their 
adopted land, as to contribute generously towards the sup- 
port of the Episcopal Minister. But now the leading men 
of the nation were actuated by a zeal that carried them into 
error. Laudable was the desire of propagating the gospel 
in this country ; but it needed not an Established Church 
for bringing that to pass. You have seen that when Mr. 
Ashe, in I'ZOS, desired to sail for England, he was prevented 
by Sir Nathaniel, and had to escape to Virginia, to which 
province his instructions were conveyed to him ; and from 
thence he sailed on his fruitless attempt to have justice done 
to two-thirds of the inhabitants of Carolina. 

Recollect, dear Coz., that you too must make your mark 
upon the times tipon which you live, either for good or ill ; 
if for good, future ages will cherish that index of your exist- 
ence^ as they would the autograph of some great conqueror 
on the world's battle-fields ; if for ill, it will stand out as a 
beacon and a warning upon the page of history. My prayer 
is that you may live and die, distinguished for piety, and 
moral virtues, rather than for great learning ; better become 
an humble and intelligent christian, than a man puflfed up 
with worldly wisdom, and the new fangled notions of the 
present times. Adieu. 



62 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 



LETTER VI. 

" The blight of hope and happiness, 

Is felt when sons from right depart, 
And the bitter tears that follow. 
They are the life-blood of the heart." 

March 30, 1851. 
And now, Dear Henry, for the development of a romance, 
in real life. " How the father sat in all the silent manhness 
of grief." The mother drooped and died. First, we will 
take a retrogade step, making a second attempt to possess 
ourselves of the Family Mansion. Our first couple, Thomas 
Smith and Sarah, the eldest daughter of Colonel Joseph 
Blake, were accompanied by a brace of boys — first Thomas, 
who was born on the 2'7th of June, 1691, mentioned in his 
grandfather's will, of '92, as having the "large silver Tan- 
kard." He proved a spoiled and ungrateful son. His fa- 
ther's will informs us that " for a shameful and most dis- 
graceful marriage at an early period of life, he had disinheri- 
ted him," he had been permitted to occupy a small j^lantation 
on Ashley river, the loan of which was extended to his only 
child Thomas, during his short sojourn on earth, and then 
returned to the grandfather. Perhaps, nurtured in a home 
of ease and indulgence, a proper share of discipline had been 
wanting, which brought that son and heir to irretrievable 
ruin, and his grief-stricken parents too late to a sense of their 
error. By giving way to the intensity of youthful passions 
he lived not to reach his proper destination. Their cherished 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 63 

boy, on whom they had built their hopes of coming days, had 
proved himself devoid of all tender assiduities for their hap- 
piness, or the respectability and comfort of his brothers and 
sisters. He committed the rash act of uniting his fate with 
one who could never be received by his family. A series of 
misfortunes followed, that soon produced mental aberration^ 
and consigned him to an early tomb ; before he had been 
enabled to provide a shelter for his hapless child, or the girl 
so destitute of a sense of propriety as to enter a family where 
a great sensation was excited against her. Thus ended that 
line of Smiths. Poor Thomas ! how anxiously had his devo- 
ted parents sought to make him feel himself one of those who 
are sent into this world for a purpose ; that there would in 
after times, be an honorable and weighty work put upon his 
hands, in a right and useful road, shaped out for him by Hea- 
ven ! But he choose to turn aside from the correct way and 
follow the flattering multitude to do evil ; finally, disgracing 
his family by an union with Miss Dorothea, familiarly called 
"Dolly Dry," a great beauty, externally, yet lacking that 
moral loveliness that should have adorned the bride elect, of 
a future Landgrave. Of her perverseness acd strange eccen- 
tricities, there were many stories afloat, and it grieved his 
friends that he should take such a one to his bosom as a wife. 
For believe me, my dear Henry, that it is an ill thing and a 
mad thing to out-step the way that God has made for us, 
thus casting a blight upon all our prospects in life, bringing a 
great and sore sorrow on those who love us. Reflect that you 
are young, and the world is bright before you ! that your 
welfare is precious to many a relative. Remember that Mother, 
whose love will follow you through all the vicissitudes of life ; 
even should you become broken down in health, fortune and re- 
putation, she will cling to you when forsaken by all else. Her 
memory, flashing back across the weary waste of years,will re- 
call you as tho smiling infant, the darling boy, to whose man- 



64 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

hood she had looked forward as the solace of her declining 
years, disappoint her not ; think how soon she may depart to 
that tribunal, where each of us in turn must appear, there to 
meet those who have gone before. Oh, may you 

" So hve, that, sinking in thy last long sleep, 
Smiles may be thine, while all around thee weep." 

The second son was George, (named after his only paternal 
uncle, Dr. George Smith, who lived until 1*751,) he was born 
August 22d, 1693, and intermarried with Jane, a daughter of 
Arthur, the merchant, and grand daughter of Madera Allen, 
Planter, late of Goose Creek, they had three daughters : first, 
Sarah Blake, after his mother, she was Mrs. Benjamin Coach- 
man, of St. James' Parish. Second, Jane Allen, became the 
wife of Mr. Charles Faucheraud, of the same neighborhood, 
their daughter, Mary, was Mrs. John Allston, to whom the 
Goose Creek plantation was left in 1765. Her sister, Eliza- 
beth, was to be suitably maintained out of the father's estate, 
until a division be made, provided she be sole^ but in case of 
marriage, her maintenance shall cease. To her was given 
the plantation on which he had first lived, (previous to re- 
ceiving the more valuable one, from his father-in-law,) his 
father had bought it from Samuel Bacot, and willed it to him. 
Elizabeth was also to have his place at Wassamasaw, where 
the Huguenots had, at an early period, formed a settlement, 
and also some negroes. She married Colonel John Harles- 
ton, their daughter Sarah, was the wife of Dr. WilHamRead, 
of Rice Hope, St. John's Parish. Their Jane was Mrs. Ed- 
ward Rutledge, of Richmond Hill ; her son, the Rev. Edward, 
married a lady of the North ; Mrs. Isaac Ball, (Caroline) is 
one of their daughters ; Mrs. Livingston is another. Elizabeth, 
the third daughter of Col. John Harleston, was Mrs. Thomas 
Corbett, of Farm Field, St. John's Parish, Mrs. Edmond, 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 65 

•whose son was a minister, of the White Meeting, was the 
third daughter of George Smith and Jane Allen. 

Now, you shall hear of a train of girls born at your man- 
sion^ who grew up as " polished corners of the temple." The 
third child was Anne, named after her great grandmother, 
Lady Anne Axtell, and her Aunt Anne, Mrs. Joseph Boone ; 
she was born on the 9th of October, 1695, the year of the re- 
moval from the Back river place, which had been advertised 
for sale by its first owner, in 1694, when, as he said, "he pur- 
posed removing to Yeoman Hall, and wished to dispose of the 
splendid mansion, in which he then resided." I am told that 
it is a low building, with a Dutch roof, of very inferior bricks, 
made upon the spot, perhaps ; yet such is the strength and 
quantity of the mortar, which holds them together, that it 
continues a strong and very comfortable dwelling. It re- 
mained many years in the family, long after a haven of rest 
had been found by the worn and weary man who had penned 
that advertisement. He had passed away from outward sight, 
although, perhaps, permitted to hover near as the guardian 
spirit of his sons, and the large families growing up around 
them ; since that which we call Death, is but a change in the 
mode of our existence, a continuation of Life^ higher, fuller, 
more free than that which we know here — in a world of light 
and beauty, far more real than this. True, it is, that death 
severs the close-knit ties of life, yet it is the birth-day of the 
soul. From all that we have heard of your progenitor, it was 
no ignoble spirit which chose his frame as its tabernacle. My 
prayer is that you may prove, now in your early years, an 
amiable example of filial affection to your widowed mother, 
and, in manhood, an irreproachable life of great modesty, tem- 
perance, charity, forbearance and probity. This Anne, of 
whom we were speaking, married Benjamin Waring, the 
grandson of the first of his name, who came to Carolina in 



66 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

1670, their Elizabeth was Mrs. Joseph Brailsford, grandmo- 
ther of the Misses E. and S. Brailsford, of the Church Home ; 
she lies buried on an old Waring Plantation, in St. Paul's 
Parish, now the property of Mr. W. R. B. Mitchell. 

The fourth child of Thomas and Sarah Smith was Bar- 
bary, named after her paternal grandmother, the German 
Baroness ; she was born on the 6th of July, 1697, (the same 
year with her future stepmother and sister-in-law, Mary 
Hyrne.) On the 1st of December, 1724, we find the men- 
tion of Col. Edward Hyrne and Barbary, his wife, (then 27) 
a conveyancing of a tract of land, five hundred and eighty- 
four acres, near the head of a branch of Cooper river, known 
by the name of Watboo branch, and close adjoining the 
Wall Eye and South Bay Swamp, bounding south on land 
of her brother George Smith, east on that of Thomas Cordes, 
and on other land then or late belonging to Roger Moore, 
and on Mr. George Livingston's land ; said tract being part 
of a Landgraveship, formerly granted by the Lords Proprie- 
tors to Landgrave Thomas Smith, at the annual quit rent of 
£3 sterling, or £4 proclamation money per one hundred 
acres. Benjamin Waring and Anne, his wife, had also a part 
of that Barony, which was the south boundary of land be- 
longing to Gabriel, the father of Francis Marion. In 1738, 
fourteen years subsequently) we have a letter from Col. Ed, 
Hyrne, written from Cape Fear Barony, Hyrneham, North 
Carolina, to his sister Mary, the widow of Landgrave Smith, 
on the subject of her husband's death, and giving an account 
of that of his eldest son, (Edward) he mentions his sons 
Henry and George. He seemed resolved to act his part on 
life's stage, yet struggling on, though evidently with a bro- 
ken heart. His pure and noble spirit was gently submissive 
to the divine hand. 

The fifth child was Sabinaj born on the 10th of May, 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 6*7 

1699, and became the connecting link between the New- 
England Smiths and those here. James, who settled there, 
was the father of Thomas, the merchant, who married Jus- 
tina, the daughter of Capt. Benjamin Schencking. (You 
will find him early associated with influential men in law 
making and the like, he was a high church man, and his 
town house was on East Bay, south corner of Queen-street, 
now a clothing store.) It was in Mr. Thos. Smith's store or 
counting house, that Mr. Henry Laurens, who was born on 
the 24th of February, 1*724, learned business at first, but 
more of that good man in some future number — how his 
marriage with the beautiful Eleanor brought about the rela- 
tionship between the families of Ball and Laurens — with an 
account of the first of those who came here. 

Merchant Smith was a man of estimable character, uni- 
versally respected and beloved, a wealthy and generous friend. 
By way of distinction he was called Long ' Tom^ and one of 
his leg bones can yet be seen in the vault at Goose Creek 
Church, and should be encased in silver by one of his imme- 
diate descendants. His son Thomas became a planter, hav- 
ing inherited his maternal grandfather Schencking's lands, 
he intermarried with his second cousin, Sabina, the third girl 
of the second Landgrave, in 1716. Their son Benjamin was 
born in 17 17. You will find the following inscription on the 
tomb in St. Philip's west yard : 

" To the memory of Ann, the wife of Benjamin Smith, 
Esq., daughter of WiUiam and Mary Loughton, who de- 
parted this life the 29th of February, 1760, in the 38th year 
of her age. Within this tomb also lies Benjamin Smith, 
Esq. He had been many years Speaker of the Commons 
House of Assembly, and in every respect a valuable member 
of the community. He died at Newport, R. I. on the 28tb 
day of July, 1770, in the 53d year of his age." 



68 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

By his first marriage lie had Thomas Loughton, who mar- 
ried Elizabeth Inghs ; their Ehzabeth was Mrs. David Camp- 
bell; they had also Ann, Claudia, (Mrs. Henry Izard,) Maria, 
Kitty and Harriet. Benjamin's second son, I think, was Wil- 
liam Loughton, who married first Miss Charlotte Izard, and 
after her death Miss Charlotte Wragg. Mr. Smith's second 
wife was Mary, the daughter of Joseph and Judith Wragg ; 
her father and uncle, Samuel Wragg, came from England — 
the former left three sons and five daughters. Mary's daugh- 
ters were Judith, the lady of Major James Ladson, of the 
Revolution ; and Mary, the wife of Mr. John Gibbes ; Mr. 
James Henry Ladson, married Miss Eliza Ann Eraser ; Mr. 
Jas. Ladson Gibbes, married Miss Adelaide Elliott ; Thomas, 
the brother of Benjamin, and son of Thomas and Sabina, 
intermarried with Miss Sarah Rhett, (their son was James, 
who married Miss Gough, of Beaufort, I am told,) they had 
sons, Benjamin; Roger and Peter ; Sabina subsequently be- 
came the second wife of Mr. Peter Taylor, the inscription on 
whose tablet, in St. James' Church, tells us that " he adorned 
the several relations and stations of life he passed through, 
with a conduct worthy of the christian and gentleman, he 
departed this life October the 1st, 1765, aged 67 years ;" 
and by him lies his first wife, Mrs. Amarentia Taylor, and 
their son Joseph. We find Mr. Taylor in 1 745-6 and '7, 
paying £25 each year towards the estabhshment of a school 
in the Parish, to the Rev. Mr. Mellichamp or the Church 
Wardens, for the instruction of children in the knowledge 
and practice of the Christian religion, and for teaching them 
such other things as were suitable to their capacity ; he was 
then 47 years of age. and fully convinced of the importance 
of pious teaching, and may not I, the ancient one, be allowed 
to question whether the prevalence of irreligion in the pre- 
sent day, may not in a great measure be attributed to the 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 69 

neglect of the long established method of teaching to read 
by the Testament ? The book of all best adapted to this 
purpose, for the language is remarkably easy and familiar, 
whilst the matter is entertaing to young minds. We also at 
a later date find Henry, Thomas, and Benjamin Smith, of 
your house, each giving £50 towards the same charity ; 
" Mayest thou as they did, fear the Lord all the days of 
your life, and walk faithfully in the paths which he has 
opened before thee. Let prudence admonish thee, let tem- 
perance restrain thee, let justice guide thy hand, benevolence 
warm thy heart, and gratitude lift your thoughts to the giver 
of each blessing ; these shall give thee happiness in thy pre- 
sent state, and bring thee to the mansions of eternal fehcity." 
Mrs. Amarentia Taylor was the daughter of merchant 
Smith, consequently own sister of Thomas, the planter, 
whose widow became the second Mrs. Taylor, by that union 
she had one child, Anne, the wife of Mr^^ljs, and their son 
Robert_is the fine architect, now even in old age accomplish- 
ing his plans in a masterly manner. The merchant's second 
son was John, who had a son Joseph, and daughters Mrs. 
Farr and Charlotte. The merchant's third son was Joseph, 
the fourth William ; his second daughter was Catherine, Mrs. 
Greenland, Molly was Mrs. Dale ; there I have given you 
the names of his seven children, and a few of the grand 
children ; we will return to the second Landgrave, whose sixth 
child was Justina, born on the 20th of April, 11 01, she 
married James, the son of Godfrey Moore, and removed to 
the Cape Fear barony. We have heard years ago of Mr. 
Ben Schencking Moore, at Smithville, N. C. Come we now 
to the seventh child, who bore the mother's name, Sarah, she 
was born on the 25th of Jan., 1103, and intermarried with 
Mr. John Bowen, of St. James,' Goose Creek. The eighth 
child was Rebecca, after her grandmother Blake, and aunt, 



TO THE OLDEN TIME OB* CAROLINA. 

Mrs. Rebecca Moore, of Philadelphia ; she was born in 1'705, 
and went down to an early grave. The ninth child was 
Joseph Blake, born November, 1706, died young. The tenth 
was another Rebecca Moore, who came in 1*708, she was 
Mrs. Hamilton, and we find her stepmother, Mary, in her 
will of 1776, leaving to her granddaughter. Miss Rebecca 
Hamilton, the sum of £500 currency. Adieu. 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. *Jl 



LETTER VIL 

« It was midnight, and he sat alone, 

The husband of the dead ; 
That day the dark dust had been thrown 

Upon her buried head ; 
Her orphan children 'round him slept. 

But in their sleep would moan ; 
Then fell the first tear he had wept. 

He felt he was alone." 

Charleston, April 2d, 1851. 
The untiring assiduities and kindness of friends had done 
much through many months, to alleviate the distress to which 
Mrs. Sarah Smith had finally, in 1710, fallen a victim. She 
was a lady remarkable for intellectual strength, with nobility 
of thought and principle. She loved her husband with the 
extreme devotion of her high nature, for she was endowed 
with a mind teoder as pious, and with the most sensitive 
feeHngs. Her beautiful, noble and benign countenance, re- 
flected radiantly, all that glowed in her heart, or was painted 
in her thoughts. But, to a great mind was linked a frail 
body. That most to be admired, was her religious fervor, 
her entire forgetfulness of self, that she might serve others! 
As the lamenting partner of all her joys and griefs sat now 
motionless by that cold corpse, the silvery affectionate tone of 
voice, seemed still sounding in his ears, as though she con- 
tinued to bless her noble George, now seventeen years of age, 
to whom she had taught those principles of truth and moral- 
ity, that, in after life, became a blessing to the community in 



12 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

which he lived and died. To Anne, now fifteen, a young and 
delicate-minded girl, she consigned the care of her more 
youthful daughters — Barbary, then thirteen ; Sabina, eleven ; 
Justina, nine ; Sarah, seven ; and Rebecca, at the tender age 
of two years. And these half dozen sisters, in their up- 
growing, twined about one another like flowers in summer 
time ; yet ever keeping the different looks and dispositions 
that were natural to them. Ever affectionately did the five elder 
ones cherish the memory of that mother, the first object of their 
childish love and obedience. She had felt it her duty firmly 
to discipline her children in due season ; which made it well 
both for themselves, and her successor, who soon loved them 
as her own, and if ever a mother's place can be supphed, and 
another obtain that entire intimacy with the children's hearts, 
it was so in this case. Mary Hyrne, in 1*713, became a link, 
connecting father and child, as forming the softening medi- 
um between his masculine control and their tender years. It 
was for him to instruct but for her to instill. He to com- 
mand their reason, whilst she compelled their instinct. He 
may finish, but she must begin. His empire was over the 
head, whilst her's, over the heart, was most complete ! 

" She had a voice to cheer a Home, 
To lull a suffering one to sleep ; 
Make reading plgasant to the blind. 
Or stay the tears of those who weep." 

In the hours of pain and trial, tender were her touch and 
tone, and undeviating her kind and soothing attentions. As 
for the wee-thing Rebecca, she was nourished into forgetful- 
ness of tears — like a tender spring-flower upon the bosom of 
many a female. The mother's dream of life seemed ended 
from 1*708, the period of her birth. The bye-past married 
life of eighteen years, had been to her like a summer day, 
maintained in due honor, upheld in all her dignity, invested 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. IS 

with that share of proper sway, without which, home cannot 
exist. Ever prominently put forward by her husband to 
their children, as the best of earthly examples, possessing the 
confidence, love and friendship of those who knew her worth, 
receiving from her domestics every mark of respectful obedi- 
ence, and faithfulness in their tasks of duty, and happy in 
the reflection that she had lived all her days under the ira'me- 
diate shadow of a pure and simple Kirk, looking ever to the 
Word and not to the world for what was right ; she had 
prayed to run her earthly career in peace as in innocence. 
She was in the possession of every domestic luxury and 
blessing that could make home happy ; her's was cast in a 
neighborhood of civilization and refinem.ent ; but even now a 
portentious calamity was dreaded, the greatest dangers were 
immediately apprehended for her son, who had become justly 
exposed to censure, despising the lessons of experience, he 
was rushing into visionary schemes of happiness, and, at the 
age of seventeen, contemplating a Mesalliance that would, 
in after times, draw upon him the penalties of a wounded 
conscience, for having disgraced so illustrious a lineage as 
his. He had broken out of the pale of obedience. N'o lon- 
ger did his father's hand possess a power of guidance, which 
no wise son should ever shake off. He would not have de- 
sired officiously to have guided his heir's choice in the selec- 
tion of a partner for life ; but it was soon discovered that evil 
was the natural bias of that youth's disposition, whilst he 
was growing up a man of most imposing appearance ; yet 
with his energies paralized, and all feeling of due submis- 
sion to parental authority at an end. Flatterers had seduced 
him from his duties, leading him into acts that incurred 
odium ; that sent a bitter draught to the lips of his fond 
parents, and words to their ears, that were sharper than a 
two-edged sword. Their first-born had become a reckless, 
4 



74 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

selfish being, the voice of flattery had told that there were 
honors laid up for him. The world had officiously shouted 
into his ear, that wealth and power were in store ; that the 
time may not be far distant when he might be called to suc- 
ceed to the rule of a household that would fly at his bidding 
and weep at his frown ; whilst they would keep their feelings 
and thoughts to themselves ; locked up in the secret recesses 
of their own hearts. 

My dear young sir, be vigilant, and keep a jealous eye on 
all your proceedings. Beware of such flatterers ! for you 
may be ever sure that the poison of the Asp is hidden under 
their softest and most enticing words. From such false 
friends turn quickly away. May our Heavenly Father be 
your guiding cloud by day, your pillar of fire by night, mak- 
ing you worthy to succeed to the rule of that same household 
where he is still worshipped in sincerity of faith, and to main- 
tain amongst its members the unity of spirit in the bond of 
peace. And, in future years, may your influence long be felt 
as beneficial in St. James' Parish ; and, finally, a tablet 
adorn your memory in its church. In the meanwhile re- 
member the fate of your great grand uncle, Thomas Smith, 
with wealth sufficient for every luxury of life ; with no fear of 
coming want ; with health beating strong in his veins, and 
born to hold a high situation in the world ; yet a strange 
jumble of errors and misfortunes belonged to his life and 
character. Remember, that soon your boyhood's days will be 
gone ! Think how much meaning lies in that little mono- 
syllable, gone ! Bright, hopeful youth comes next, then will 
you count the days with jewelled numbers. Take care that 
yours are woven into weeks of blithe labor, and that 
those weeks may roll into harvest months of triumph, and 
that the months become bound into golden sheaves of the 
years that follow. ^Come let us quit this sad story of 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA, 76 

the olden time, and of that Thomas, whose marriage, at the 
age of eighteen, sent his mother, the ensuing year, 1710, to 
an untimely grave. 

George, the second son, remained, until of age, to grace the 
abode of wealth and respectability ; whilst his erring brother 
occupied the humble dwelling of poverty and misery, with a 
beauty whose hands hung idle, whilst her head was filled 
with vain and absurd caprices. The second son possessed a 
pure and noble spirit, and finally went down to his grave, 
enjoying the retrospect of a well-spent life. At twenty-one 
he married Jane Allen, she was a young girl of interesting ap- 
pearance, with an expression of countenance that was some- 
thing dearer than beauty. It was a calm, pure face, with a 
soul-light from within. The soft brown hair fell back in 
wavy curls from her smooth brow. In her dark hazel eyes, 
with their long-fringed, drooping lids, there was a depth of 
unrevealed and gentle sensibilities, and a lurking tenderness 
about her mouth which indicated timidity and sweetness. 
Her's was a firm, though gentle soul, and she stepped quietly 
through the path of duty. And, as real young ladies in those 
days did not choose their husbands as their bonnets, for being 
the gayest and most fashionable, she looked not for beauty, 
but set her affections on a fine, manly fellow, whole-souled 
and merry, who never required to pour the spirits down to 
keep his spirits up. He was one on whom the shades of 
your noble ancestors could look down with pride ; filial duty 
and brotherly love had filled his heart and guided his actions, 
and he had understood what a "city of refuge " is the Chris- 
tian home. Escaping from the selfish sons of the world, he 
found a sanctuary in his father's house, where the arms of af- 
fection stood open to receive him. Although not handsome, 
he was eminently dislinguer and genteel. His education 
had been cared for, and he did much good by exercising the 
powers of his mind. Imbued from infancy with a high sense 



76 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

of honor, he had grown to possess the very soul of chivahy, 
and the highest and purest courage. All frankness and open- 
ness of heart, ever cheerful with a grateful sense of past mer- 
cies and blessings, he looked forward to a continuation of such 
until he reached " the promised land." 

His disinterested kindness as a friend ; his steady affection 
as a son and brother, justified the fair one's choice, which she 
never had the slightest cause to regret. His ready ministra- 
tion of help to her at all seasons, his participation of her joys 
and sorrows, served daily to exhibit proofs of his kindness. 
He soon went beyond the domestic circle, to good society in 
general ; not considering himself intended to live isolated and 
independent of other links, as some of the later and present 
young members of your fjimily have been charged with doing ; 
never proceeding beyond their own thresholds to engage in 
any active pursuit. George, on the contrary, soon arrived at 
that proper vigor that lead him to unite in the wider circles 
of public life, and adding his own to the corresponding ener- 
gies of other gentlemen, contributed his part towards the 
promotion of Parish welfare. Such was this grandson of Gov- 
ernor Thomas Smith, under whose administration the celebra- 
ted fundamental constitutions of John Locke were finally 
abolished, and a system, more conformable to the state of 
the country and the actual wants of the people, w^as substitu- 
ted, "He, whose descendants," we are told, by Mr. John Frost, 
of Philadelphia, in 1846, " are still noted for their hospitality 
and urbanity." 

To strangers, many of these incidents may seem trilling, 
but you can never deem them so. Ever scrupulous and accu- 
rate in telling these long-neglected stories to untutored ears, 
I have laid hold of various information and turned it to the 
best account. Surely you will not consider it a miscellaneous 
detail of circumstances and events, but lessons frauo-ht with 
the best advice. Diverse as the appearance of these letters 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 77 

raaj be, I trust that I have obtained variety, and yet not vio- 
lated unity of design, that all has been uniformly directed to 
one object, the iraprovemeat of your hearty the purifying of 
your affections, which will lead to worthy thoughts and good 
deeds ; and an happy exit from this life. Take warning from 
that Thomas who did not maintain the walk he should have 
done, and dare not to shame, in any way, your godly and 
honorable kindred. Remember that it was not only worldly 
wealth that your forefathers had, but what was far better, 
godliness and honest fame; animated by the desire of doing- 
some little share of good on earth — I have set forth their ex- 
ample, see that you copy it. 

Anne, Mrs. Benjamin Waring, died in October, 1738, aged 
43, and her husband followed in July, 1739, at the age of 
47. He is mentioned as the son-in-law in the second Land- 
grave's will of the previous year. A letter of condolence from 
Col. Hyrne to his sister, Mrs. Smith, from Cape Fear, at that 
time, did not reach her for three months, so little communica- 
tion was there between places at all remote. 

Benjamin, of the house of Waring, and son of Anne Smith, 
intermarried with his first cousin, Sally Smith, his son Ben- 
jamin, (by a previous marriage, name unknown,) writing from 
Columbia, S. C, in 1809, on the 10th of August, to yaur 
grandfather Thomas, at Westoe, says : — " My great grand- 
father and your grandfather was the same Thomas Smith, the 
second Landgrave. I am descended from his first daughter, 
A.nne, who was born in 1695, and you from his sixth son, 
Henry, who was born in 1727. His first child, Thomas, 
came into existence in 1691. His last (Benjamin) in 1735, 
so that he had twenty children in forty-four years. He had 
married in 1690, at the age of twent}^, had seven daughters 
and three sons by Miss Blake, and three daughters and seven 
sons by Miss Hyrne, vice verm.. He died in 1738, at the 
age of QS}' 



78 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

The writer of this letter married his first cousin, Anne, the 
sister of Mr. Richard Waring, of Tranquil Hill, near Dor- 
chester, they were the children of Thomas Waring, and Suc- 
cy or Susannah Smith. In the Journal of the Schoolmas- 
ter, we find the following notices : 

''January 10th, 1745. 

" Married at the house of her father, Mr. Archar Smith, 
at Goose Creek, by her uncle, the Rev. Josiah Smith, Sally, 
to her first cousin, Mr. Ben Waring, as his second wife ; they 
had dinner company two days, and on Monday, the 21st, he 
carried his wife home to the Cypress. On the 21st of March, 
on a Thursday, Mr. Thomas Dixon, of James Island, and 
Miss Elizabeth Smith, of Goose Creek house, took each other 
for man and wife, the ceremony by the Rev. Mr. Chanler, of 
the Baptist congregation on Ashley river. On the 23d, she 
drew her share of negroes, viz: Jack, Murriah, Blackwall, 
Judith, little Tom, Toney, CufFee, and Rose ; the bride is 23 
years of age. On the 29th, Mr. D. went home, came back, 
and on the 9th of April, he and his lady left the family man- 
sion. May 21st, Mrs. Mary Hyrne, the wife of James Screven, 
had a daughter. September the 17th, came Ben Waring, 
and, on the 24th, his brother Thomas, to us; on the 26th, 
they all went to Mr. A. Smith's, to see his daughter Succy, 
and Tom Waring take each other for ' better or for worse ;' " 
hear that ! the brothers Waring marrying the sisters Smith, 
in January and September, 1745. 

We are further informed, that *' on the 19th of November, 
Thomas' wife went home for good. December 19th, Ben 
and Sally Waring dined here from her parents' house. Col. 
Henry Hyrne came to visit his sister Smith, and paid me for 
his son Henry's schooling. 1746, June the 4th, between one 
and two o'clock this morning, in this mansion, Mrs. Thomas 
Dixon had a daughter born, to be called Mary Smith. No- 
vember 7th, I went to town, and saw Sally and Richard 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 19 

Waring, first cousins, united. This the 9th, Sue and Paul 
(of the hole,) was married at the Church, by Mr. Mellichamp. 

1747, on the 2d of January, Friday afternoon, Mr. Thomas 
Waring had a daughter, Anne, at her father's. Miss Nancy 
Smith slept here and dined with Mr. Archar. February 10th, 
Mrs. Smith brought the mother and infant to visit Madam, 
great great aunt of the latter by courtesy. April the 26th, 
being Sunday night, Mrs. Ben Waring had a girl, born at 
Waring's town, on the Cypress. On the 27th, Monday, Mr. 
Cater put up the clock in the hall, and Madam Smith paid 
him £6. October the 7th, Mrs. Tom Waring came to dine. 

1748, Easter Sunday, the 10th of 'April. We wrode patrole 
through the District, and Mrs. Susannah, the wife of Thomas 
AVaring, had a son." 

You will observe that this great grandson, Richard's birth, 
was one hundred years after that of the first Landgrave 
Smith, of Exeter, Ed. He at the age of 20, on the 20th of 
November, 1768, intermarried with Miss Anne Branford, 
who on the 25th, attended by a large company, went through 
the ceremony of the installation of the bride to the honors 
and duties of her new home. No doubt every thing was 
just as heart could wish, therefore I shall not run the risk of 
marring the picture by any additional drapery, tropes or 
figures of my own. Short lived happiness 1 they had a son, 
Richard, born Sept. 1st, 1769, and the mother was consigned 
to the silent tomb on the 12th of the same month, at the 
early age of 18 years and six months. 

" But soon the living and the dead 
Across that stream shall meet ; 
For life goes on with hurried tread, 
And Time has no retreat. 

'* "We are abroad, a broken band, 
And those gone on before. 



80 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

Are waiting in the father-land, 
'Till we shall leave this shore." 

Within two years, when the showers of April had once 
brought the early flowers upon her grave, and once had the 
sunshine of May darted its rays upon them, he dried his tears, 
and Anne, of Hyde Park, in St. John's Parish, the young- 
est child of John Coming Ball and his first wife, Catherine 
Gendron, became his affianced bride. Her sister, Elizabeth, 
had married his great uncle, Henry Smith, Esq., (her sister 
Catherine was afterwards the second wife of his brother Ben- 
jamin, of Goose Creek,) at his house the youthful widower 
came often in contact with sweet Miss Anne, who bestowed 
such gracious looks and enchanting smiles upon him, as must 
have taken captive the heart of any but a voluntary bachelor 
or misanthrope. He at the age of 23, she 18, for she was 
born the 3d of June, 1*753. They were married at Hyde 
Park, the home of her father's widow, Judith Boisseau, on 
the 27th of January, 1771, her father had died in 1764. 
Ptichard, the son of Miss Branford, expired the same year of 
his father's second marriage, seven months after it — he was 
then two years old, the father only lived to attain his 33d 
year, died on the l7th of Feb., 1781, leaving a widow of 28 
years. She continued such until the 24th of April, 1826, 
when, on the evening of Monday, at Tranquil Hill, she de- 
parted to a better land, at the respectable age of 72 years, 
10 months and 22 days, and was buried in your Goose Creek 
family yard, at the side of her much loved sister, Elizabeth. 
Possessing those graces that at once distinguish and adorn 
the Christian character, Mr. Waring was beloved and re- 
spected ; he was a gentleman of liberal education, benevolent 
heart, engaging deportment, and friendly disposition. His 
widow was a courteous and cheerful companion, and, in her 
latter years, your grandfather, Thomas, loved to designate 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 81 

her as " a motlier in Israel," as did other Dissenters ; for 
so long without a church within her reach, she had gone 
regularly to your meeting house, and was such a pet and 
favorite, that I have fancied the old lady grew vain, for we 
all know how dangerous are the seductions of popular ap- 
plause. But, avaunt with these Warings, in some future 
number they shall loom on my pages in gigantic propor- 
tions, for my heart has often gone up with a bound of joy, 
like a long-chained eagle, let loose at the mention of that 
name, in which to my ear there has ever been music. I shall 
readily trace them back to 1067, the era of the conquest, 
when " One William Varing went from France with Wil- 
liam, the Conqueror, whom he made afterwards Earl of Sur- 
rey, and bestowed upon him a daughter in marriage." 

See, dear Henry, how I throw forth ray treasures of anti- 
quity with frankness and fearlessness. My versatility of 
talent enables me to pass from grave to gay, with equal grace 
and rapidity, and I can tell you, further, that few are as fa- 
miliar with the hidden workings of the human heart as I 
am ; indeed, there are so many things that I seem to know 
by intuition, that I am positively a mystery to myself, and 
have twice been in imminent danger of being burnt for a 
witch, instead of being cherished as a benevolent fairy. But, 
once more to be serious, I do assert that if I have succeeded 
in pleasing, informing, and instructing you, I have attained 
to the neplus ultra of all my present wishes. Your lines 
have fallen to you in pleasant places ; yours is a goodly heri- 
tage, take care that your pleasures be not such as shall be 
marred by regrets; guard against those ignis fatuus tlrnt 
are sure to mislead the youthful mind. Placed as probation- 
ers here, we know that this life is not to be a state of com- 
plete enjoyment and happiness ; the hopes, the spirits, and 
the inexperience of the young, are apt and very willing to 
see it in this light ; to them life is full of entertainment, their 
4* 



82 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

relish is high, their expectations are unbounded. For a very 
few years they may go on without interruption, but a short 
time will cure them of this delusion. May you early discover 
that there is an inherent delight necessarily attendant on the 
performance of virtuous deeds, and may such enjoyment be 
fully yours, those who have once experienced the conscious 
pleasure produced by a good action, are ever anxious to en- 
joy it again. Adieu. 



THE OIDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 83 



LETTER VIII. 

" Nay, adventurous little ship ! 
If thine anchor's still atrip. 
And instead of port you choose 
Such another toilsome cruise. 
Where so'er the whim may lead thee, 
On dear friend, and may God speed thee !" 

April 6th, 1851. 
Yes, my dear young man, once again is my bark upon the 
waters, and you shall sail with me, whilst I attempt to bring 
you further acquainted with the early times of your mansion 
and its inmates. Where are they ? With the years beyond 
the flood ! We come now to the union of the second Land- 
grave and the beautiful Mary Hyrne, which was consumma- 
ted in 1713, the same year that consigned his antagonist, 
Johnson, to the silent tomb ; but I flatter myself he had long 
since forgiven the zealous old gentleman. Mary was the only 
daughter of Colonel Edward Hyrne and Elizabeth, his wife ; 
they, in the assessment of the Goose Creek property of 1694, 
held to the amount of only £212. That was nineteen years 
before this marriage, and meekly did their Mary bear the 
honors that it bestowed upon her youthful brow. Her bro- 
thers were Edward, James and Henry, the names afterwards 
borne by three of her seven sons. Peter Hyrne, their grand- 
father, was here as early as 1672, he may have come the pre- 
vious year, in company with the first Thomas Smith, little 
dreaming of the future union of their houses, forty-two and 



84 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

forty-six years after, by the marriages of Smith with Mary, 
and Edward, her brother, withBarbary, his fourth child. Ed- 
ward Smith was born 24ih of April, 1714 ; James, the 13th 
of August, 1715, and must have attained the age of man- 
hood, as we find him holding property in different places ; 
but had died previously to his father's will being made, in 
1738. Mary w^as born the 9th of October, I7l7 ; she inter- 
married with Mr. James Screven, in 1736, at the age of nine- 
teen, and died in 1758. Margaret was born the 1st of April, 
1720; she became Mrs. Ben. Coachman; their daughter 
was Mrs. Barney Belhnger. Miss Lucia Bellinger married 
Captain Thomas Paine, of the United States Navy, their son, 
Edward Tatnal, has married Miss Beckley ; his sister, Miss 
Margaret, is a young lady of great worth. Elizabeth Smith 
was born the sixth of January, 1722, intermarried, (as you 
have seen in The Journal,) with Mr. Thomas Dixon, of James 
Island, in 1745, when twenty-three. Josiah was born July 
the 10th, 1726, and as not mentioned in the journal of ten 
years, must have died young. What a pretty verse is that 
which says — 

" How beautiful is infancy ! 
The bud upon the tree, 
With all its young leaves folded yet, 
Is not so sweet to me." 

Our Henry was born the Cth of August, 1727, (on the birth- 
day of the celebrated Archbishop of Cambray ; Fenelon, one 
of the best and wisest friends of the human race, who came 
to us in 1651, and died in 1715, the year which gave birth 
to James Smith, on the 13th of August.) Henry married 
Anne Filbien in 1753, and Elizabeth Ball in 1764. Thomas 
Smith was born on the 26th of January, 1729, he married 
Susanna Walker. George was born on the 30th of August, 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 85 

1732, alive in 1749, as mentioned in Mrs. Anne Boone's 
will. Benjamin was born the 15th of September, 1735 ; his 
first wife was the beautiful Elizabeth Ann Harleston ; his 
second was Catharine Ball, of Hyde Park ; the third was 
Sarah Smith, of the brick house, on Cooper river, now the 
property of Mrs. George Brown; and the fourth was the 
widow Coachman. His father died in 1738, at the age of 
sixty-eight years. From that time we find Mary thrown upon 
her own resources, acting with a degree of energy and Chris- 
tian firmness, that bore her safely through all life's duties. 
It seemed that youth and age gathered around her, that 
many hours of social gladness were enjoyed within her hos- 
pitable home : all her sympathies were stirred for those who 
suffered ; to such, her presence seemed ever a sunbeam ; 
her's was a spirit meet for the Kingdom of Heaven ; the seal 
was on her brow. Allow me to transcribe for you, a letter 
which she received from her brother, Colonel Edward Hyrne, 
dated 

Hyrneham; August 1, 1738. 
''Dear Sister: 

First by common fame, and afterwards by a letter from 
sister Anne Waring, to her sister Justina Moore, I heard of 
your great loss, for which I heartily and sincerely condole 
with you. No doubt, it will be in vain for me to advise you 
not to grieve at so great a loss, but only to endeavor to 
moderate it all you can, for your own and your dear 
children's sake. I well know the difficulties a widow, 
with so many small children must meet with in the manage- 
ment of her affairs. I pray God to give you skill and ability 
sufficient, and to bless with success your endeavors. I am 
heartily sorry that the great distance God has placed me 
from you, will render the sincere desire I have to be assisting 
to you, fruitless. I hope that, that God in whom I know you 
trust, will fully make up al deficiencies. 



86 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

You have, indeed, dear sister, met -witli a great loss ; but, 
still, if you can com23are your circumstances with those of 
thousands of others in the world, you are happy to them. 
God was very merciful in sparing your husband so long, he 
was very ancient, and he paid the debt we all owe to Nature, 
and we know not how soon we must pay it. I pray God pre- 
pare us all for it. 

My dear son, Edward, who was in the prime of life, and 
might have expected many years, has trod the same path ; 
he departed this life ye twenty-fourth of last month, after five 
days illness of an affection of the bowels. The doctor said 
that mortification had taken place just before he died. He 
was in most violent agony all the time of his sickness, but had 
his senses to the last. 

Dear sister, these are indeed severe tryalls, I pray God to 
sanctify them to us. He has now put into our power to pay 
Him, the very highest act of devotion ; I mean perfect resig- 
nation to His will. Let us say, with Job, " The Lord gave 
and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the 
Lord." The terrible complaint of which my son died, is very 
brief amongst us in these parts, several is dead of it, but 
many more recover. My son Henry is all this time ill of it, 
but I hope in no danger. Not having had any opportunity 
to send this away, am now come to the eighteenth of this 
month. My Harry, I thank God, is now well again ; he has 
not only had the bowel complaint, but also a violent fever 
and ague, with which came every day, and several others 
have been dangerously ill. In my family I have one negro 
man very ill still. Now turn over the page. The best thing 
I can find in this distemper is the juice of the Jerusalem 
Oake. I give to a grown person four spoonfuls of the juice 
at a dose, and repeat it every three hours or as often as I see 
cause. This, given in the beginning of the distemper, has 
cured many in ray family, in less than a day, and some, the 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 87 

first dose has done it, in a wonderful manner. My neighbours 
have found the same benefit by it. I don't doubt but you 
remember how the seed of the same plant cured your old 
Jack, twenty years ago, after he had been given over by every 
body many months ? and his disease was the same. And I 
mention this because I hear you have it now in your parts 
too. 

I think if any thing in this world could have helped my 
dear son, it would have been this juice ; it certainly eases the 
pain with which all that have the distemper are miserably 
afflicted ; generally, three or four doses takes away all the 
pain ; it has cured all the young negro children on my plan- 
tation, in an hour after they have taken ill. I give to a child 
of a year old, one spoonful. Several grown negroes in my 
plantation has drank half a pint at a time. I hope, dear sis- 
ter that God will, in his infinite mercy, preserve you and yours 
from the grievous distempers that are amongst us this year. 
If I am able, at this distance, to advise you how to employ 
your negroes to the best advantage, my advice would be to 
go wholly upon corn and peas, which, if you do, you must 
have your land ready fenced and ploughed against planting 
time, and afterwards tend it with harrows ; this business will 
require a good many working cattle and horses and mares, I 
doubt not but you have enough of each sort to break for that 
use, and I judge it will be necessary to have a Northward 
man that's used to that business, for an overseer. No doubt 
but corn will be a very good commodity for many years to 
come. I have known one Eben Jones, in these parts, with 
his own hands and two horses, a little plough and harrow, 
make between ten and eleven hundred bushels of corn a year, 
for three years running. He used to hire help to plant and 
gather it only. I think if you can get a man who under- 
stands this business, you may make three hundred bushels of 
corn and peas a hand, one with another ; and if you intend 



88 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

to follow this business, and can't get a man that's fit, if you'll 
let me know, I'll endeavor to send you one from here. How- 
ever, I would not have you put the j^roject in execution with- 
out taking advice of your friends, especially brother Ben 
Waring, who can give you as good advice as any body what- 
ever, to whom and his family, pray give my hearty love and 
service, and to all other friends. I shall only add more, on 
this head, that if you have no white overseer, I think Cooper 
Andrew will make you a much better one than Sancho, who 
ever was, when I knew him, a deceitful rascal. 

Though I have been very tedious already, I can't help 
mentioning a few more things of my dear deceased child ; he 
was grown a very hopeful, comely and gentle young man, 
and free from all manner of vice, as ever I knew any man of 
his years, in my life. Young as he was, he had cultivated 
the acquaintance and friendship, not only with men of his 
own age, but with gentlemen in years, and of good sense and 
fortune, and, indeed, every body that knew him was fond of 
him. He was perfectly ingenious — the last instance of it was 
as complete a base vioU he made, (and finished but three 
weeks before he died,) as you ever will see in a thousand ; 
and would have been, in a few months, perfect master of that 
music. But 1 trust he is now in a far more happy state, than 
he could have been on this side of the grave ; he is already 
gone and I must follow ! I conclude myself, dear sister, your 
sincerely affectionate and sorrowful brother, 

Edward Hyrne. 

"Pray give my love to all your children, whom I much 
long to see, as well as yourself, but God only knows whether 
ever I shall have that satisfaction or not. My sons give their 
duty to you and love to their cousins. E. H." 

Is not that a most beautiful letter, worthy to be treasured 
up for another one hundred and thirteen years. Are you not 
proud of the man, who not only knew how to preach, but to 



TPIE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 89 

practice that highest act of devotion, resignation to the will 
of God ? Reflect, that at the commencement of his letter, 
his son, his noble son, had been dead only one short week ! 
How sad the reflection, that the " sister Waring," who had 
written of their father's death to her sister Moore, was, within 
the very next October, consigned to-4he grave, and her hus- 
band, the " brother Waring," to whom the widowed Mary 
was directed for advice, followed speedily to the same cold, 
dark region ; he died in July, 1739. Mrs. Moore was 37 at 
the death of her father and sister Anne. Why Mrs. Hyrne 
was not mentioned in this affectionate epistle I cannot think. 
Had she died at an early age ? If alive she would only 
then have been 41. Oh, no, we will not imagine her dead 
too, but that she sat by her good man, pouring her sorrows 
into some sympathizing breast. Few were the opportunities 
at that time of communicating with their friends, and Barbary 
arrayed in the deep weeds next to those of widowhood, was 
embracing the same chance to tell over in a style of the most 
touching simplicity, while the big drops stole down her pale 
cheeks and fell upon her heaving breast, the overwhelming 
sorrows of her almost broken heart. Or was he really the 
solitary man ? Was he alone, writing to those who were 
sympathizing witjfi the bereaved feelings which lacerated their 
own breast? Was she, the beloved in life, now "sainted in 
the grave ?" On your place is to be seen the brick enclosure 
that so many of us have of late united to erect, and which 
has, under your mother's guidance, been so handsomely com- 
pleted. That wall encircles the mortality of the hoary sire of 
1738, while at his feet the little tufted hillock denotes that 
there peacefully sleeps his descendant, even of the fifth gene- 
ration, who was so early called by her Divine Saviour to enjoy 
"a hfe that shall never die." How sweetly, yet simply, Mr. 
Hyrne directs his sister to that merciful Creator who has said 
in his own ever living words, that " he will be a comforter to 



90 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

the widow, and a father to the fatherless." Methinks I see 
him as in olden time, simple in garb, majestic and serene, 
unmoved by pomp or circumstance, in truth inflexible, and 
with a Spartan zeal repressing vice and making folly grave. 
At Hyrneham or at Smithville, we may, doubtless, find stones 
erected " to perpetuate the fond recollections of those who 
were beloved in life and mourned in death ;" over whicb the 
weeping-willow is shedding its melancholy, yet pleasing in- 
fluence, and there, too, the lofty and solemn looking poplars 
are bowing their graceful, but dejected heads, as though it 
was in grief over the shrines of those that lay interred at their 
feet ; and the mournful yew, that sorrow-stricken tree, which 
pines in the night breeze over the solitary dead, may also 
hang over thoss grass-clad avenues. Say, young cousin, is 
not the advice from such an exemplar as Col. Hyrne, justly 
entitled to your most serious attention ? He had lost some 
who were very dear, yet was his heart filled with fervent 
thankfulness to the beneficent power that had still preserved 
to him other blessings in this life. The soulless and the 
heartless glide most comfortably through such a world of 
trials, they seem to know nothing of the suffering which at 
times almost wrings the life-blood from the sensitive heart, 
but there are others of us who can deeply feel with him, al- 
though, perhaps, we have not as meekly bowed our heads in 
pious submission to the will of God. He was unquestiona- 
bly a man of eminent piety and great enlargement of mind, 
and possessing fine social powers, seems to have wished that 
his " dear son" should become distinguished for the virtues 
and accomplishments, which form the chief ornament of pri- 
vate life, with a mind formed to manly and active pursuits, 
yet was glad for him that he had reached that celestial haven 
where the storms of life are never known. May you, too, 
early learn to correct the world's false estimate of things, and 
to " look through the shallowness of earthly grandeur," to 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAEOLINA. 91 

venerate what is truly excellent and noble in character and 
conduct. You see that I pursue my design with a diligence 
that strongly indicates an apprehension that I shall not live 
till it be completed. Time, with his hour glass and scythe 
is at hand, ready to say to me ''Finis, thy deeds are done, 
and thou must die." 



92 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 



LETTER IX. 

ChmiesLon, April llih, 1851, 

My Dear Cousin : 

We will return to Mrs. Mary Smith — 

'' Forescore years she walked among us. 

With a gentle, upward tread ; 
Was time marked by deeds of goodness, 

Centuries had crowned her head." 

Anger fled from her appearing, 

And the heart forgot its pride ; 
Charity, that suffereth all things. 

Was a dweller by her side. 

She was born in IGOY, the same year with her step-daugh- 
ter Barbary — at the early age of 16, she took the responsible 
office of mother-in-law, upon herself — her lord and master 
was almost three times her age ; having attained his 43rd 
year. They lived 25 years happily together, which brought 
him to 68, and left her 41 years of age ; for there was 27 
summers between their births. She lived to be 80, and was 
appareled fur the grave in 1777, having heard the Declara- 
tion of Independence read. Long had she adorned your high 
ancestral hall ; but we are told " she seldom joined the 
family down stairs, in her latter days." It was then customary 
for the members of the family to gather around her with 
their work and books in her own suite of apartments, as she 
sat stately in their midst, seated in that same old oaken chair, 



I'HE OLDEN TIME 0F CAROLINA. 96 

the loss of which, I have heard your mother deplore — your 
too generous father having allowed a Yankee workman to 
persuade him out of it, whilst employed in repairing the roof 
of the mansion, where it was discovered hid away. 

" It was a carved Oaken Chair, 
Carved with carving quaint and rare, 
Was that same Old Oaken Chair." 

Well, this dear old lady died, and, as her will directed, 
they laid her decently in the family grave yard. The corpse 
lay not in state, with all the pomp of escutcheons, wax 
lights, black hangings and mutes ; but all was conducted 
quietly and in order, by her beloved sons assembled there. 
She had cheerfully waited to be translated from the Churcli 
Militant to the Church' Triumphant, where, with my mind's 
eye, do I behold her, flinging down on the jasper pavement 
her crown of amaranth and gold, and fancy that I hear her 
hymning praises to Him, who on earth had blessed her with 
a vigorous and fertile genius, and noble heart, and had ex- 
tended her days far beyond the usual period allotted to man- 
kind. She had survived her husband 39 years, and out-hved 
all the ties of intimacy formed in her youth ; yet was she 
welcomed with cordiality, and treated with the greatest kind- 
ness by all who approached her person ; friendships formed 
fifty years ago, in her mature life, continued unbroken in 
only a few instances to this time, but those cannot be called 
" of her youth," for she, like the great Dr. Samuel Johnson, 
may have asked, " where is the world into which I was born?" 
Yet to the last was she in the enjoyment of blessings attend- 
ant upon a wise and virtuous old age, and a life well spent, 
in the full exercise of her faculties. Many had been the vicis- 
situdes tlnough which she had passed. Her life had been an 
eventful drama ; but none had ever to lament the decay of 



■^. 



94 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

her piety or affection, which would not allow this octogenary 
to rest in the sepulchre " in which she had been quietly in- 
terred," after having seen some of her grandchildren grown 
up, she had been at last gathered to her fathers, like a shock 
of corn full ripe. No ; she must come forth to watch over the 
education of her little flock, four years after her burial. 

The Ghost Story, that our delightful Dr. J. B. Irving gave 
us in his " Day on Cooper River," in 1842, bears a deeply 
marked stamp of reality about it ; and she who stood not to 
be found in a genuine attitude of dismay, but went tramping 
after the intruder, neither terrified nor awed by her majestic 
manner nor dignified countenance, protested to Mrs. Jane, 
the widow of the Rev. Isaac Stockton Keith, even on her 
death-bed, that " the adventure had never faded from her 
memory ; that she had been far more surprised than alarmed ; 
that although a mysterious affair, she must affirm to the last, 
that nothing could be real, if this was but fancy," and thus 
she died protesting. You shall have the miraculous story in 
his own agreeable language : " When the town surrendered 
to the enemy, on the 12th of May, 1780, Henry Smith, the 
then occupant of the Old Mansion, who had been long de- 
clining, ' turned his face to the wall and never smiled again.' 
But on the eighth of the ensuing December, yielded up his 
quiet spirit into the hands of him who gave it ; he was then 
fifty-three years of age, this seventh child of Mary Hyrne, 
was born, you recollect, on the 6th of August, 1727. His 
widow finding it lonely and sad, with only her four daughters 
about her, the eldest twelve, the youngest six years of age, 
abandoned the upper part of the house entirely, and occupied 
the two west chambers, opening into each other. After the 
lapse of a few months, she received into the family an in- 
structress for her girls ; a young and gay widow, a Mrs. 
Latham, just arrived from the Emerald Isle» She having 
been but a few days on shore, knew nothing of the family 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 95 

she had entered, consequently, when informed that she was 
to occupy the upstairs alone, and a servant girl, (Saunder,) 
was offered to sleep in her room, she ridiculed the idea of 
fear, and declined accepting the offer of a companion. The 
next morning (being Sunday) the family and servants were, 
many of them, assembled in the hall, and back porch, to go 
through the church service, they had not proceeded far, when 
a great tramping about was heard over head ; after some 
time, Mrs. Latham came down stairs, and asked, ' who had 
passed out that way V She was assured that no one could 
possibly have done so, as there were many persons assem- 
bled at their devotions at the very foot of the staircase. The 
household was thrown into great confusion, the rooms were 
all thoroughly searched to no purpose. She then explained, 
that whilst she sat reading a novel, the " Turkish Spy," she 
had heard a noise along the passage, she put her book down 
and listened attentively, when she distinctly heard coming 
steps along the corridor. The door of her chamber was soon 
gently opened, when an eld lady of benign countenance, 
dressed in a brown silk gown, white muslin handkerchief, 
pinned across, and wearing a close cap, stood before her. She 
rose and gave her several invitations to enter, but finding 
her motionless, and that there " was no speculation in those 
eyes, that she did glare withal," went towards her, when, like 
Ajax's spectre, she moved slowly off to the large east room, 
from that she glided into the smaller one, which opened into 
it, and from which there was no outlet, and there she took 
the faintest part of nothing, and vanished into air." 

" Not a word she deigned to say, 
But like a spectre passed away." 

Those were the rooms where the old lady passed the last 
years of her life ; in the closet of the larger you will find 



96 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

little partitions, which she had directed put up as baby- 
houses for the granddaughters at home with her, and most 
acceptable to those great aunts of yours, was that caprice or 
fancy of hers ; for there she kept sugar and biscuits, with 
"which to furnish forth their doll's parties. Their innocent 
merriment perchance, beguiled some lonely hours, whilst the 
usual household duties kept their mother below, or father's 
business carrried him abroad. Her disposition was to let 
others reap the benefit of her sympathy and benevolence. She 
knew that a word of kindness was seldom spoken in vain, 
that it was a seed, which, when even dropped by chance 
springs up a flower. 

"Benjamin, who strongly resembled his mother coming 
soon to visit the family, Mrs. Latham, on seeing him was 
much agitated ; he had a long conversation, however, and at 
last succeeded in quieting hev apprehension, by hinting that 
his good mother had, no doubt, been only sent to reprove 
her thoughtlessness, and to warn her not to set such a bad 
example to her family, now entrusted to her care, as by 
reading a novel on the Sabbath day. This hint had a won- 
derful effect, Mrs. L., afterwards Mrs. Braidy, became a faith- 
ful and pious instructress in Charles Town. As she attained 
a good old age, she had the satisfaction of teaching three 
generations of the same family, many of whom have heard 
from her own lins, the incidents I have told. I have been 
given to understand, that many a time, and oft, as her little 
flock would gather around her, to hear the old lady's phan- 
tom story ^ although she would frighten them half out of their 
senses, and " make their hair to stand on end like the quills 
upon the fretful porcupine," yet they would not, for the 
wealth of worlds, have had her omit a single circumstance re- 
corded on her memory. Such startling things she told, that 
though, for a while she chilled the hearts of her youthful 
listners, yet her tones were soft, like flakes of feathered snow 



THE OLDEN TIME OP CAKOLINA. 97 

upon the moistened ground, they melt.ed as they fell. She 
occupied, for many years, a small Dutch-roofed wooden house, 
on the present site of the First Presbyterian Church yard, in 
Meeting street, where a part of her school consisted of Eliza- 
beth Read, Elizabeth Scott, Eliza Rutledge, Harriet Thayer, 
Laura Carson and Martha Motte." Many are still living,who 
have heard their parents speak of the style in which the old 
folks lived in your house before the revolution. The grounds 
were then under the highest cultivation, the large hall had 
been painted in landscapes on the wall, other rooms were 
thickly hung with pictures. In later times, not long before 
the war, the hall was white-washed, and the landscapes gave 
way to masterly portraits, from the easel of Mr. Simeon 
Theus, who painted in Soutb Carolina, his native State, as 
early as 1750, and continued to 1775. He was a gentle- 
man of considerabe reputation in his profession, and I shall be 
happy to give you a full account of the family in some future 
number. 

Among his pictures were those of Mr. and Mrs. Richard 
Waring, of Tranquil Hill ; Mr. Thomas Smith, your grand- 
father ; his sisters, Mrs. John S. Waring, Mrs. J. E. Poyas, 
Mrs. Richard Scott and the Misses E. and P. A. Smith. At 
Richmond, in St. John's Parish, there hangs a portrait of the 
late John Huger, Esq., of " the Hagan " in St. Thomas' Par- 
ish, its coloring is excellent, and, by those who remember the 
original, it is deemed a masterly likeness." Now, let me give 
you some more pleasant information from the same graphic 
pen: " Bob commenced his career in life as a postilion boy,when 
his dear old mistress used to ride behind four horses, down to 
Charles Town, and to and from her mansion on East Bay to 
visit her friends, and attend the white meeting, where now 
stands the Circular Church. He was afterwards advanced 
to the dignity of driving her in her wide seat chair, when 
she attended Mr. Wood's vendue, at the ten mile house, 
5 



98 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

where she purchased, unexpectedly, and carried home in the 
bottom of the vehicle, a stone jar, that, often after that, con- 
tained half a barrel of rice, but which she then filled with the 
good things bought on that day for the family at home. 
After her death, in 1777, he became coachman to your great 
grand parents, Henry and Elizabeth Smith, and Peter was 
the postilion boy. 

To illustrate the aristocratical tendency of a well-bred ser- 
vant. Bob preserved, through thirty years, the panels of the 
identical coach he first drove. The family house was unoc- 
cupied for twenty years, there and elsewhere he kept them 
safely locked up until 1817, when they were presented to 
one of his master's great grand daughters. A wagon was 
made from those pieces, for the child, by her father, and 
was, for a long time, a treasured relic ; the admiration of all 
who saw it." The panels were green, with much gilding, 
and your family coat of arms and crest on each piece. The 
Arms — Sa-afesse erminois cotissed, or, between three mart- 
lets of the last, each charged with an ermine spot. Crest — a 
grey hound sejant gu ; collared and line reflexed over the 
back, or charged on the shoulder with a mascle ar — motto — 
semper jidelis. 

Remember that the honored individual who built your 
house, although he lived not to occupy it, had been also the 
very first to use bricks in the country, his habitation on Back 
river, in which he had dwelt many years, was decidedly the 
first brick house beyond the town. His mansion, at the 
corner of East Bay and Longitude Lane, is still in good re- 
pair; the walls were formerly stuccoed, and in large, old 
fashioned panels, which were, doubtless, considered very ele- 
gant at that time. There, as Governor, he received the 
twenty Cherokee Indians in 1693, and there planted his rice 
patch. In every respect he proved himself qualified for the 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 99 

trust reposed in birn, and anxious, am I, to have you equally 
amiable in all tbe relations of life. 

James Smith, the brother of the first Landgrave Thomas, 
settled in the vicinity of Boston ; from him was descended 
Isaac, called " Deacon Smith," the father of Mrs. Cranch, and 
the lady of John Adams, late President of the United States, 
in the "incidents of his life," he gives us his "amatory expe- 
rience " in 1*763. " Here it may be proper to recollect some- 
thing which makes an article of great importance in the life 
of every man : from ten years of age, I was very fond of the 
society of females, I had my favorites amongst the young 
women, and spent many of my evenings in their company ; 
and this disposition, although controlled for seven years after 
my entrance into college, returned and engaged me too much 
till T was married. I shall draw no characters nor give any 
enumeration of my youthful flames. It will be considered as 
no compliment to the dead or the living. This, I will say, 
that they were all good and virtuous girls, who always main- 
tained their character through life. No maid or matron ever 
had cause to blush at the sight of me, or to regret her ac- 
quaintance v/ith me. No father, brother, son or friend, ever 
had cause of grief or resentment for any intercouise between 
me and any daughter, sister, mother or any other relation of 
the female sex. These reflections, to me, consolitory beyond 
all expression, I am able to make with truth and sincerity. 
And, I presume, I am indebted for this blessing to my educa- 
tion. This has been rendered the more precious to me, as I 
have seen enough of the effects of a difierent practice. Cor- 
roding reflections through life, are the never failing conse- 
quences of illicit amours in old as well as new countries. The 
happiness of life depends more upon innocence in this respect 
than upon all the philosophy of Epicuras, or of Zero, without 
it. I passed the summer in attending courts and pursu- 



100 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

ing my studies, Avith some amusement on my little farm, 
until tlie autumn, when, on the 25th of October, 1764, 
I was married to Miss Abigal, the second daughter of the 
Rev. William Smith, minister of "Weymouth, grand daughter 
of the Hon. John Quincy, of Braintree, a connection which 
has been the source of all my felicity, although a sense of 
duty, forcing me away from her and my children for so many 
years, produced all the griefs of my heart, and all that I es- 
teem real afflictions in life." 

With his politics we may not have any sympathy, yet we 
must highly respect the man, from whose hps and pen such 
honorable sentiments could ever fall, and who never had to 
deprecate any part of his conduct. Perhaps there was a little 
too much of aristocratic assumption evinced by the good di- 
vine on this occasion of parting with his daughter, for in a 
splenetic mood and moment, he refused her to '' The Farmer 
Boy," as he was pleased to style young Adams, although his 
neighbors represented him as an exquisite personification of 
industry, both in Law and Agriculture, hinting (as opportu- 
nity offered) to the fair one, that she would lose something 
precious in resigning him ; and that it would be a great pity 
for her " to allow her promise to him, so far to out-run her 
performance." 

It is scarcely necessary to add that she was quite of their 
opinion, which she sedulously pursued. She knew well the 
pliancy of her dear father's heart, that the infirmity of his 
temper was that of yielding up his will even against his judg- 
ment. But now she knew, also, that this was an unreasona- 
ble prejudice, that could not be allowed to bear a feather's 
weight in her mind, against her truth, her honor, and the 
hope and love of him who had set his steadfast affection on 
her. Never had she (true woman-like) the slightest idea of 
conceding her point, but still she resorted to persuasion, 
knowing that her kind parent's heart would insensibly soften 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 101 

and expand like a rose-bud, tremblingly unfolding beneath 
the influence of gentle sunshine and pure dew, such as her 
smiles and tears should prove. His piety and good sense 
disposed him to hear her patiently ; his warm heart pleaded 
for his child, who, in a frank and hearty manner, yet with 
true maiden modesty, had confessed her love, telling with the 
utmost grace and naturalness of the visit to the country, so 
fraught with interesting incidents, such a truthful picture of 
her delight on becoming acquainted with Mr. Adams, and of 
their plighted vows, and that from the first hour of their 
meeting, he had been the object of her secret attachment; 
effectively had she accomplished her task. Never stubborn 
in the assertion of his opinions, after telling her some whole- 
some truths, with warnings, counsels and exhortati^Sj he 
kissed and blessed his darling daughter. Be assured that in 
this narrative there is nothing of fancy or invention, although 
I am sometimes charged by my enemies with being too 
largely endowed with imagination, this is a true, yet beautiful 
and touching story. Soon was she the wife of that practical, 
clear-headed man, whose popularity was spreading fast. When 
his country became distracted by political vicissitudes, deep 
was his grief at the protracted sojourn abroad that fell to his 
lot, although his letters gave pleasing evidence to his friends 
and co-adjutors that he was not idle. It was not long after 
the union, before Mrs. Adams had an elegant and commodi- 
ous establishment, where with her husband she lived a ra- 
tional and quiet life. Long, too, did she occupy the place o^ 
honor. Her portrait is not only lovely, but it involves so 
much dignity of thought. She was to Mr. A. far more valua- 
ble than the precious metals of Potosi could ever have been. 
Now a word of advice to you, my young friend, pursue your 
studies industriously and enthusiastically to the age of 21 
years, and then if you can persuade M. P. H., or any other 
attractive, modest girl to become yours for life, go you, its 



102 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

present proprietor, to the old mansion of your forefathers, 
imparting again to it the comfort of former days; and there, 
with a select party of relations and acquaintances of worth, 
whilst your little fairy is flitting around you, be more happy 
than you could ever be in the most luxurious apartment of a 
hotel, surrounded by gay and thoughtless young men, clothed 
in the most approved elegance, in the fashionable costume of 
the day, with their very whiskers trimmed to a hair. As 
master, husband, son and friend, let humanity appear the 
leading feature in your character ; let it be said that you in- 
variably show far greater disposition to soothe, than to aggra- 
vate misfortune ; as far as you prudently can, let others bene- 
fit by the fortune that Heaven may bestow upon you. Re- 
memblr always that you will be but an almoner of that 
Eternal Father, whose property you are to use as a christian 
gentleman. Let the partner of your joys have no regrets, 
but ever wear the smile of happiness upon her lips. The 
advice that Laurie Todd, the old Scotchman, gives to young 
bachelors, is — " If you mean to live out all your days, get a 
wife as soon as you can." When you start on a courting 
expedition, recollect that the constant desire or effort to say 
good things is not the way to excel in conversation, although 
it is a self-deception into which too many fall. Not that 
I would have you like the Laird of Dumbiedike, to " say not 
a word." Familiarize yourself always to the best society, 
remember that the fair are to reign absolute in the saloon. 
There are you to enter gracefully, and speak the English lan- 
guage undefiled. If you desire the sobriquet beau confered 
upon you, you must practice the difficult art of gracefully 
bowing your body, which is symbolical of good breeding, 
and a most pleasing and captivating method of paying a 
compliment, for to what does man bow, but to equality or 
superiority ? And I hope that you may coincide with Todd, 
in the behef that " sitting among the ladies is a natural in- 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 103 

stinct." For be assured the old man is right in his notion, 
that " when the roll of the blessed is called in Heaven, seven 
women will muster to one man." Bear in mind, too, dear 
Hal, that not only proper words must be selected for the 
" grand utterance," but the time well chosen ; when I was a 
girl, an evening walk was considered one of the best of op- 
portunities, with our street lamps twinkling just enough to 
make darkness visible, but now with this shower of gas- 
light, blushes would be all too well seen. A dark ride, re- 
turning home from some happy country party, as the pair 
sat closely wedged in a sociable or narrow chaise, was some- 
times embraced as the propitious moment, whilst the screech 
owl was chanting into the ear the requiem of friends de- 
parted ; that made the timid listener nestle closer to the side 
of him who is pleading to become her guide and guard 
through all the dark paths of life. But that hateful bird, I 
hope, has been driven out of the land, like every other fright- 
ful thing that could terrify a lady into an acceptance ; no, 
let that be a voluntary act, or left forever undone. There are 
many other golden opportunities that may be snatched, of 
which my varied personal experience could inform, but what 
have you to do with these trials yet ? Surely nothing ; as 
an only son, decorously obedient to your mother, and as a 
brother, full of affection for your three sisters and grand pa- 
rents. Such we desire to contemplate you yet awhile, may 
you never be found wanting in gratitude to that kind parent, 
who has been ever attentive to your wants, and indulgent to 
your proper wishes. Ever cherish and commend your sis- 
ters, pay attention delicately aiid respectfully to their com- 
panions, for know you not that there is a charm in gallantry, 
when displayed in early life, which is attended with irresisti- 
ble fascinations. When you come to manhood,-- travelling 
will expand your mind and cultivate your taste, but remem- 
ber before you talk of ^^ going to the NorthP Why? Be- 



104 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

cause it is fashionable ! go througli the length and breadth 
of your own State, expressly to view the scenes, where her 
defenders did resolutely contend against the encroachments of 
tyranny and oppression ; after that, go and give praise where 
praise is due. We are indebted to Massachusetts for General 
Lincoln, to Rhode Island for General Greene, of the Stone- 
house. You will steam it upon the Chesapeake Bay, and sail 
on the James River ; every foot of Virginia is rich in his- 
torical fame, or sacred to revolutionary tradition. You will 
exclaim, "there stood Yorktown, there the American, French, 
and English redoubts, and there Lord Cornvvallis, when he 
surrendered his sword to General Washington !" Come not 
home with any Baron Munchausen stories, but with your 
mind well stored with valuable facts. And remember the 
" loved ones at home," write often, and forget not that " be- 
ing of age," as it is called, does not lessen the beauty of 
respect and obedience to a parent's mandate ; an undutiful 
child is an odious character at any period of hfe. Should 
you lose your mother, you little dream how the memory of 
every unkind look or word, each neglect of her wishes, will 
haunt you. The grave will cut off all opportunities to rec- 
tify mistakes or atone for errors. Your destiny none can 
foresee, but under all circumstances, equanimity is the best 
chance for happiness. Take Seneca's advice, " always to keep 
the mind above the moon, and then you can never suffer from 
the rising or falling of the tides." Be a youth of energy, 
and then you will not become a man tormented by infirmity 
of purpose, ever thinking what he shall do, and doing 
nothing, because of thinking. Such wise Gothamites are 
very apt to " go to sea in a bowl," and thus make shipwreck 
of their all. Forget not that good breeding is a guard upon 
the tongue, do not put it ofi' and on with your fine clothes 
and visiting face, but be sure to wear it where it is most 
wanted J at home. And to be worthy of those who have gone 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 105 

before, you must study to become more and more patriotic, 
as you approach towards maturity. I am always ready to 
record any little acts to encourage you onward. Your grand- 
father, Thomas Smith, was from the earliest dawn of the 
Revolution devoted in heart to the cause of his coantry, and 
was soon to be found in the ranks of her armies. His for- 
tune, without a murmur, would have been sacrificed to his 
principles, had it been requisite. And to have promoted the 
interest of America, he would have yielded up his life with- 
out a sigh ; sleeping on the cold damp earth whilst with the 
army, cost him his hearing ; it left him a life-time deafness. 
His commission bears date the 1st of January, 1776, and 
runs thus : — " Lieut. Thomas Smith ranks in the Militia as 
First Lieutenant." ^ 

" Signed, Excellency John Rutledge." 

" To possess that which you must ever learn to consider 
the highest honor, the friendship and esteem of the respecta- 
ble and virtuous part of the community, you must have such 
noble sentiments and devotion. The public witnessing your 
zeal, will liberally reward it by the most flattering commen- 
dations. It is unpardonable that with such instances of every 
public and private virtue, afforded us by the history of our 
own country, our youth are still, to too great an extent, re- 
ceiving their first ideas of patriotic excellence from the an- 
nals of other nations, knowing more of the heroes of ancient 
times than of the virtues and services of the worthies of their 
own country." Make Mrs. Caroline Oilman's " American 
Boy" your study. " Learn to treasure up the memory of 
those who stood foremost amongst men who had wisdom to 
plan the deliverance of their country trom a foreign yoke, 
resolution to attempt it, and valor to insure independence. 
We will contemplate their firmness, the extent of their suf- 
ferings, and the splendor of the actions achieved in the ac- 
complishment of their momentous undertaking ; and we will 
5* 



106 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

find our hearts expand with gratitude, and our souls wita 
admiration. With truth may we ever maintain that the 
citizens of America, during the war of the Revolution, exhi- 
bited as splendid examples of heroic gallantry, as firm and 
honorable adherence to the cause of liberty, as ever adorned 
the annals of any age or country, and performed more bril- 
liant achievements." You may never be a public man, nor a 
soldier in actual service, yet I hope that you will prove one 
of great excellence of character in all the relations of life 
into which fate may lead you. 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 107 



LETTER X. 

" By the shore of Time long lying, 
With the inky flood beneath. 
Patiently that Soul — undying 
Waited for the Ship of Death." 

Charleston, April 20th, 1851. 

Seizing the fugitive moments as they fly, I snatch up my 
pen to scribble a few lines ; and now, have you not some cu- 
riosity to take a glance at the "Will of the dear departed one ? 
You find that my industry is never intermitted ; in process 
of time, I shall deserve to be accounted a learned antiquary* 
for I am certainly indefatigable in my research after that 
knowledge which will enable me to carry on this my Great 
Work, and you can place implicit faith in my scrupulous 
veracity, as a lady of distinguished prudence, and most un- 
blemished integrity. By tacking all the fragments together, 
I shall succeed in giving a correct copy of the Will of Mrs. 
Mary Smith, alias the Ghost Lady. 

In the name of God, amen. I, Mary Smith, of St James' 
Goose Creek, widow, being in good health in body, and of a 
sound, perfect and diseposeing meind and memory, and know- 
ing the uncertainty of this mortal life, and that it is appoin- 
ted for all once to die, do here make and ordain .this to be my 
last Will and Testament, in manner and form following : — 
First, my soul I give and recommend into the hands of Al- 
mighty God, that gave it, and my body I bequeath to the 
ground, (to be buried in a plain cedar coffin, and to be in- 
terred in a plain, decent and Christian-like manner, according 



108 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

to the discretion of my executors hereafter mentioned,) hop- 
ing to receive the same with glory at the general resurrection, 
through the merits and mediation of our blessed Lord and Sa- 
viour Jesus Christ. And as for such worldly goods and estates 
as it has pleased God to bless me with, I give, devise, bequeath 
and dispose of in the manner and form following : — All my 
funeral charges being first duly discharged and satisfied. 
Imprimis — I give to my eldest son, Henry Smith, my three 
negro men, named Hercules, Bob and Peter, and all my 
chamber furniture, (except my easy chair.) To my grand- 
daughter, Anne, daughter of Henry Smith and Anne Filbein, 
his wife, I give my gold girdle buckle. To my son, Thomas, 
one thousand pounds currency, also, my riding Chaise, and 
the black horse Swallow. To my son, Benjamin, my negro 
woman Peggy and her children, (except Judith,) also, my 
worked curtains, now in his possession. To my foster grand- 
children, viz : Thomas, James, Martha, Barbary, and John 
Screven, the sum of eleven hundred pounds currency— to be 
equally divided amongst them. To my granddaughter, 
Elizabeth Robert, five hundred pounds currency, together 
with my easy chair — (she had been Miss Dixon.) To my 
granddaughter, Rebecca Hamilton, the sum of five hundred 
pounds currency. To my granddaughter, Mary S. Jaudon, 
five hundred pounds, to be paid to her for her own use only^ 
and that her husband, Elias Jaudon, to have no part thereof. 
To Mrs. Ann Mills, four hundred pounds currency, in lieu of 
a negro wench named Judith ; (she was the daughter of Mr. 
Peter Taylor and Mrs. Sabina, the widow of Thomas Smith, 
the planter.) To my grandson, Thomas Smith, son of Henry 
and Anne Filbein, my silver tea-pot. Item^ I give my 
three sons, Henry, Thomas and Benjamin, and my three 
granddaughters, Elizabeth, Rebecca and Mary, all my books 
to be equally divided amongst them ; and all my wearing 
apparel and linen of all kinds, to be equally divided between 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 109 

my said three granddaughters. All the rest and residue of 
my real and personal estate that remains after paying the 
aforesaid legacies, I give to my three sons. If either of them 
shall owe me anything at my decease, on account of work 
done by my fellow Hercules, for them, I hereby freely for- 
give it, and that all the aforesaid legacies be punctually paid 
in twelve months after my decease, or otherwise the legacies 
shall draw the lawful interest for the time, after the expira- 
tion of the said terra. And I do hereby nominate, ordain 
and appoint my beloved sons, Henry, Thomas and Benjamin 
Smith, executors of this my last Will and Testament, revok- 
ing all former Wills made by me, at any time heretofore. In 
witness whereof, I set my hand and seal, in the year of our 
Lord, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-six, (1776.) 

Mary Smith." 

She died in 1777, aged 80 years. Having spelt out this 
^oorm-eaten Will^ may I not for the future be allowed to re- 
gard myself as a singular instance of indefatigable labor and 
perseverance under the most discouraging circumstances im- 
aginable ? 

I will now perform another self imposed task, and bring on 
the history of the province. Late in 1707, Lord Granville 
died, and was succeeded by William, Lord Craven, as Pala- 
tine, alarming Johnson and others for the church. In I'iOS, 
he made Col. Edward Tynte, Governor, who was instructed 
to " adopt such healing measures as would be most condu- 
cive to the welfare of the settlement ; endeavoring to recon- 
cile the inhabitants to each other, and put down party 
names," for Lord Craven justly thought those Carolinians 
who maintained liberty of conscience, merited greater indul- 
gencies from them, for, although a friend to the church, he 
was not for its establishment. The good Governor had 
scarcely time to learn the real state of the country, before he 
died, and a competition arose in the council about the sue- 



110 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

cession. One party for Robert Gibbes, another for Thomas 
Broughton ; the former carried his election, and for a little 
while stood at the head of the colony. The proprietors, 
thinking that bribery had been used by him to gain the 
office, a commission was sent out to Charles Craven ; (by his 
brother, Lord, William the Palatine) he was a man of great 
courage and integrity. His council was composed of Thos. 
Broughton, (the son-in-law of Sir Nathaniel Johnson, and 
he, who in 1714 began to build Mulberry Castle,) Ralph 
Izard, (the same that the angry Landgrave Smith had called 
in scorn, " honest Ralph," in 1704,) Charles Hart, Samuel 
Eveleigh and Arthur Middleton, all Episcopalians. In 1712, 
he had to contend with the Corees, Tuscororas and other 
tribes of JS'orth-Carolina Indians. He despatched Col. Barn- 
well with 600 white men, and 218 Cherokees under Harford 
and Thurston — 79 Creeks under the command of Hastings — 
Capt. Cantey, of Goose Creek, with 41 Catawbas, and 28 
Yamassee under Pierce ; 366 Indians, and 600 white men. 
Dreadful was the wilderness through which they had to 
pass ; they killed or took about 1000 Tuscororas. 

Our private history says that Thomas Smith and Mary 
Hyrne were united in 1713. Edward, their son, was born on 
the 24th of August, 1714, (George the I., elector of Hano- 
ver, was crowned on the 12th of the ensuing October.) 
James Smith, born on the 13th of August, 1715. Hard 
must have been the parting between the Landgrave and his 
Mary, on the 15th of April, previous to the birth of that 
second son of the youthful wife ; but duty called, and al- 
though he was 45, he never dreamed of claiming exemption 
from military service. Placing his family safely in Charles 
Town, he went in command of that part of the Goose Creek 
company ordered off, when the Yamassee, joined by all the 
tribes from Florida to Cape Fear river, burst like a torrent 
upon the settlement. Part of his company consisted of Wil- 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. Ill 

Ham Bull, James Alford, William June, William Scott, Jolin 
Woorams, John Moore, John Dickson, Charles Hastings, 
Maurice Moore, George Chicken, John Herbert and Thomas 
Smith, planter. 

Well, the Landgrave obeyed orders and marched south. 
The Yamassee land lay between Port Royal Island and the 
Savannah river ; they had conspired together for the destruc- 
tion of the colony. For a year previously their chief warriors 
went frequently to St. Augustine, and returned loaded with 
presents, hatchets, guns and ammunition to prepare them for 
striliing some important blow. These men had told John 
Eraser, an honest Scotch Highlander, who lived among and 
traded with them, that they " had dined with the Governor 
and washed his face," a ceremony used by Indians as a token 
of friendship, and that "now the Spanish Governor was 
their King, and not Craven any more." We had entertained 
hopes of the assistance of the Congarees, Catawbas and 
Cherokees, but they all joined the conspiracy. Colonel Ro- 
bert Daniel was appointed Deputy Governor in town, whilst 
Governor Craven, at the head of the militia, marched against 
the largest body of savages towards the south. On the 
northern quarter they came near the town, but meeting with 
Captain Chicken and the Goose Creek company, they were 
repulsed, and retreated into the wilderness. Finally, the 
Yamassee were defeated and expelled, taking refuge in Flo- 
rida. Not very long ago, there were traces of Indian mounds 
in the neighborhood of Pineville, in St. Stephen's Parish, 
that and St. John's was the frontier of the Province in 1715. 
Of the three forts, the first was on Cooper river, a few miles 
below Monk's corner, on Mulberry plantation ; the second, on 
Mr. Daniel Ravenel's Wantoot; the third, at Mr. Izard's, 
Schenking, on the San tee river. The garrison at the latter 
were all massacred in consequence of their own imprudence, 
in permitting a number of Indians to enter the fort under the 



112 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

cloak of peace and friendship. They had tomahawks con- 
cealed with their blankets. A negro escaped by jumping 
over the wall; running to Wantoot, he gave the alarm. 
Colonel Edward Hyrne, (the father of Mrs. Smith, then 18; 
Edward, James and Henry, and grandfather of Major Ed- 
mund Hyrne, of the Revolution,) was commanding in that 
fort. He advanced with a party, surprised the same Indians, 
and killed the whole of them. They were caught unguarded, 
busily engaged in feasting, and thus taken by surprise. About 
the end of April, 1716, Governor Craven, having appointed 
Daniel, Deputy Governor, embarked for England. None had 
ever gained more general respect and love, nor had any man 
ever left whose departure was more universally regreted. 
While the man-of-war rode at anchor near the bar, Mr. Gi- 
deon Johnson, the commissary, with about thirty other gen- 
tlemen, went in a sloop to take leave of their beloved Go- 
vernor, and sail with him over the bar. On their return a 
storm arose, the vessel was upset, Mr. Johnson, being lame 
of the gout, and in the hold, was drowned ; those on deck 
jumped overboard and swam to land. Afterwards the vessel 
drove, and what has been thought remarkable, his body was 
taken out of it while beating against the same bank of sand 
upon which he had almost perished at his first arrival in 
Carolina. The Landgrave's daughter Mary, who was born 
on the 9th of October, 1*717, intermarried with James, the 
grandson of the Rev. Wm. Screven, the first Baptist minis- 
ter, who came to the Province in 1682, and located on a 
spot on Cooper river, a few miles from Charles Town, which 
he called " Somerton," from his English home in Somerset- 
shire, and who died in Georgetown on the 10th of October, 
1713, having completed his 84th year. Mary had become 
Mrs. Screven in 1736, two years j^revious to her father's 
death, fifty-one years after the Rev. William had had a con- 
gregation in town, and twenty-three after his death. She 



THE OLDEN TIME OT? CAROLINA. 113 

was called to her rest in lYo8, just twenty years after her 
honored father, and about twenty before her cherished mo- 
ther, to whose care she consigned her five children, having 
attained her 41st year, and after being 22 years a wife. Her 
son was Colonel Thomas Smith Screven, who was united to 
the daughter of the Rev. Oliver Hart, he was the active and 
useful friend. Treasurer and Deacon of the Baptist Church 
for many 3^ears. On the 3d of January, 1782, the British 
troops visited St. Thomas' Parish, and took from his house 
" the old book, kept by the Trustees of the said Church, and 
also all the indents, acts and papers of the same." His son 
Thomas married Maulsey alias Mary Hyrne, the second 
daughter of Mr. Archar Smith, she was own niece to your 
grandmother, Edith of Westoe, and lived much there as the 
companion of your late aunt Susan, Mrs. Josiah Perry. Dr. 
George Frierson intermarried with her eldest daughter, to 
whom at an early age, she had left the care of younger sis- 
ters, in Hampstead, with their father, when she died there in 
the full enjoyment of a Christian hope. She had been ever 
a lady of happy temperament, ever looking on the bright 
side of life's diorama, with a cheering word for everybody. 
Dr. George had gained a good name amongst his equals, and 
in him the sick poor found a physician, whose humanity was 
ever ready to administer to their wants. He was highly ac- 
ceptable to his Mary Anu's parent, and they were united. 
Her mental acquirements and moral conduct were no less 
distinguished than her devotion to her household ; but in 
her case the rich treasure of a lovino- he&rt, and brioht in- 
tellect, were enshrined in a fragile casket. When Dr. Frier- 
son woo'd and won her to his heart and home, he knew 
little of the seeds of death that were lurking in her system, 
threatening in a few brief years to lay all his joys low in the 
grave. But no sooner had they began to develop themselves, 



114 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

than he decided on a change of climate, with the fond hope 
of prolonging her valued life. 

He had been told that nature had been very liberal to the 
new State of Alabama, that the soil was fertile, and the cli- 
mate mild. Mr. Screven had died at home amid the kind 
offices of his mourning family and other friends, his last hours 
had been peace, and the care of his single girls had now de- 
volved upon his son-in-law, who, gathering up his treasures, 
removed to Lowndes county, Alabama, to the great improve- 
ment of his wife's health — she lived to see her youngest sis- 
ter a wife and mother. But life is full of vicissitudes and 
changes ; to-day joy sings at our path, and the bow of pro- 
mise spans it as an arch of gold ; to-morrow, disappointment 
sits within the heart, and lowering skies hang above and 
around. Mary Ann was suddenly taken ! She had died, to 
the deep regret of a large circle of friends, and the irrepara- 
ble loss of a most affectionate family. Her children were 
three sons, the eldest bearing the time-honored name of Wil- 
liam Screven, and I think one daughter ; her death occurred 
in 1845, since which the doctor has intermarried with Martha 
Ellen, her next sister, by whom he also has a family, and who 
is greatly beloved as the own aunt, and step-mother ; by his 
older children, with them all around him, and followed by 
two brothers and their households, he is now growing rich 
in De Soto Parish, Louisiana. Margaret Screven, who lost 
her mother at the tender age of three or four weeks, is now 
the happy wife of Captain Francis Lee, of the Ridge, Dallas 
County, Alabama, where they occupy and adorn a highly 
picturesque cottage, on a corner where three roads meet. Im- 
bued with sentiment, with tender and earnest passion, you 
read her heart through her dove-like eyes, and in her conver- 
sation. 

The hope of their house, is Thomas Screven Lee, they have 



THE OLDEN TIME OP CAROLINA. 115 

also two daughters of great promise ; the first with a flowery 
name — Fringella Althea, the second called Martha Ellen. 
These, you observe, are the descendants of Archar, the grand- 
son of the first Archar, great grandson of Dr. George, and 
three times great of the first Landgrave Thouias Smith, of 
happy memory. Archar was the son of George Smith ; (he 
shot the intruding British officer, who, with a party, landed 
on his palmettoes plantation on Cooper river, during the 
Revolution ;) and his wife Elizabeth Waring, the daughter of 
Richard and Florence Waring, of Pine Hill. His sisters 
were Sarah (Mrs. Benjamin Smith,) and Edith, (Mrs. Thomas 
Smith,) the uncle and nephew they married. His brothers 
were George, the father of Mrs. Charles Brown, of the Brick 
House^ the Palmettoes ; and of Savage, the father of Mr. 
Thomas Smith, merchant, and Mrs. James Edmond Smith 
and others. 

Mary's second son was General James Screven, who mar- 
ried Miss Odingsell, he was killed by the Tories and Indians 
in Georgia, during the Revolution, at or near the Medway 
Meeting House, Liberty County, his son, Charles Odingsell, 
was born in 1774, commenced preaching in 1803 ; his first 
wife was a widow Jones, who had been Miss Barnard, of Sa- 
vannah ; his only son by that marriage, became a man of 
family and a member of the Sunbury Church, where his fa- 
ther had long preached ; his mother died in 1804, and in 
1813, his father was united to Miss Barbary Robert, his cou- 
sin, by whom he had several children. For twenty-eight years 
the Rev. Charles O. Screven suffered with a cancer in his 
eye, yet his labors were uninterrupted ; he died on the sec- 
ond of July, 1830, in New York, where he had gone for ad- 
vice or change. In his fifty-eighth year did his spirit gladly 
take its flight to regions of bliss. John, the third son of James 
and Mary Screven, left a family. Either Barbary or Martha, 



116 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

the girls mentioned with their brothers, in the Ghost Lady's 
Will, intermarried with Mr. Robert, and their descendants 
built up Robertville, in St. Peter's Parish, Beaufort District, 
South Carolina, where many continue to be of the Baptist 
faith. And now, in the hope that I am not only rendering 
myself agreeable, but really useful to you, I take my leave 
for the present. 



THE OLDEN TIMB OF CAROLINA. 11 7 



LETTER XL 

Charleston, May 3rf, 1851. 

Methinks I hear you exclaim in dismay, " What, another 
Letter ?" Yes, excuse me, dear ! 

" 'Tis but the flame that flashes up. 
Before the lamp grows dim ; 
The effervesence in the cup. 
All mounting to its brim." 

" 'Tis but the song the dying bird 
Sings at its parting hour, 
Breathing out life, in strains unheard, 
In notes untouched before." 

Do you not consider it a part of your peculiar good for- 
tune to be here, on earth, just at the right time to witness 
the last fitful flashes of ray re-awakened memory, now that 
my departing age, lives over at life's close, the scenes enacted 
at its dawn ? There are those who think that your partiality 
to the "Octogenarian Lady," does great credit to your dis- 
cernment. But let us on before my physical strength is ex- 
hausted, by the taking of these tremendous strides, back to 
what Bacon has called " the youth of the world " — Anti- 
quity ! Pains and weaknesses of body are reminding me of 
departed buoyancy and vigor ; the friends of my youth have 
vanished ; the dreams of early times are over and gone for- 
ever ! Happy is it for those, who, whilst growing old, have 
been laying up a treasure of sweet and virtuous memories, 
and can look forward to the close of Hfe, as to laying down 
to a calm and peaceful night's rest, in expectation of a bright 



118 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

and glorious morning. Praiseworthy is it in all to familiarize 
themselves with death, as a narrow crossing. How soul sub- 
duing is the thought, that but a thin veil, which a moment 
may lift, divides us from the conscious fellowship of our be- 
loved dead ! How solemn the thought, that, being raised 
into a higher sphere, they may evea now know more of us, 
than we do of them. And does not the behef in Heavenly 
recognition, present a strong and touching motive to piety ? 
We think of that blest abode but vaguely, unless we think of 
it as the habitation of our sainted friends, with our Saviour as 
the chief attraction of the place, surrounded by his happy 
worshippers. You must pay me the compliment, sometimes, 
to place one of my volumes as a Souvenir, in the hands of 
your young friends, to invite them thus to think. 

Let us return to the Smiths. Margaret, the fourth child 
of Mary Hyrne, was born April the first, 1720, she was Mrs. 
Benjamin Coachman. A second cousin of yours, was telHng 
me the old, trite story of " Blood being thicker than water." 
About three or four years ago, she was passing carelessly by 
a respectable colored nurse, (dressed just as a servant should 
be,) when the infant in her arms, gave forth a baby sound of 
joyful recognition, that attracted her notice. She turned, 
and the child looked up at her with its soft and pleasing 
eyes, so dove-like in their tenderness, that she kissed its 
smiling lips, and assured the nurse that some of the same 
blood must flow through the veins of this baby, as through 
her own. To the question whose is it ? the reply " Mr. Tat- 
nal Paine's, convinced her that they were about forty-fifth 
cousins, and that night, as maumer poured forth her plaintiff 
lullaby, to her little charge, (the sweetest of all music,) no 
doubt she thought over the matter, and was quite sorry, she 
had forgotten the name of the mysterious stranger, or conju- 
rer, who knew so by instinct that the blood of Landgrave 
Smith had met and recognized its own. 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 119 

Elizabeth, the fifth child of Mary Hynie, was born on the 
6th of January, 1722 ; of her marriage, in 1745, to Mr. 
Thomas Dixon, a Baptist gentleman, you have been informed 
by a quotation from the Journal of him, who seemed to have 
come down from the clouds. Mr. James Elerton, was indeed 
Madam Smith's learned and useful man. The sixth child 
was Josiah, on the 10th of July, lY25. The seventh was 
our Henry, on the 6th of August, 1727. He was your 
great grandfather. Master Thomas Henry Smith ; and, if you 
aspire to be like him, be careful ever to keep your mind 
steady and clear ; such confidence had every friend in his in- 
tegrity, that they would have staked their life upon his truth, 
and there will be no resisting my enthusiasm, in speaking of 
this, my great favorite. Although he became the head of 
the house, and heir to a large estate, (but greatly diminished 
by the Revolution,) pride was never cherished in his heart, 
or allowed to show itself in his family. No, he rather taught 
them the English adage that " Pride must have a fall." And 
the saying of Louis XL, of France, that, " when pride rides in 
the saddle, mischief and shame sit upon the crupper." 

It was not to pamper vanity that he filled his hall with 
their likenesses, but from true affection to his family, and the 
benevolent motive of employing and encouraging native 
talent, for we have seen the name of Simeon Theus, as a 
landholder, in St. James' Parish, so far back as to ascertain 
that he was a generation previous to the artist who bore the 
same name, and was, doubtless, his son. Some of the fra- 
ternity have left it upon record that " Mr. Theus painted 
faces with great care, they were beautifully done, but he had 
not the art to give grace and . picturesque effect to the stift' 
brocades, enormous ruffles, and outre stays and stomachers 
of our grandmothers, or the wigs, velvet coats and waist- 
coats, with buckram skirts and flaps, and other courtly ap- 
pendages, to the dignity of our grandfathers. His pictures 



120 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

were as stiff and foi'mal as the originals when dressed for the 
purpose, and sitting for them." 

The third of that name was the son of the artist, and the 
benefactor to his country, by a generous loan during the Re- 
volution, and his personal services as a Major in the army, 
for both of which his heirs are now receiving a just recom- 
pense from the government. He was collector for the port 
of Charleston at the time of his death. He had been united 
in early life to Miss Legare, and left daughters Rebecca, first 
Mrs. Stiles, then Mrs. JN'apier ; Ann, Mrs. Bennet, his son, 
the fourth of the name, intermarried with Miss Harriet 
Poyas in 1811 ; she died in February, ISlT, leaving an only 
child, Catherine, then two years of age. He entered into a 
second matrimonial engagement in 1818, with Miss Susan 
Beutham, by whom he left the fifth Simeon and daughter 
Susan, now of this city ; may he who bears the name emu- 
late the viitues of the Major, of whom I would gladly tell 
you more, did not time imperatively command me back to 
your grandfather, Henry Smith, who was married on the 
2'7th of September, 1753, when twenty-six, to Anne, the 
eldest daughter of Mr. John and Mrs. Anne Filbein ; she 
was born on the 23d of August, 1*736, and had then at- 
tained to " sweet seventeen." Their daughter, Mary Hyrnes, 
was born on the Vth of November, 1755, and died in 
1756. Thomas, their son, was born June the 3d, 1757; 
he was your paternal grandfather. John Filbein was born 
the 12th of April, 1759, and died in 1760. Anne Filbein 
was born February 19th, 1761 ; she was your great aunt. 
Mrs. John Smith Waring, whose portrait, along with her 
brothers', belongs to your hall, and should be highly prized 
by you. Mrs. Anne Smith died at the family house on the 
20th of November, 1762, aged twenty-six, after an union 
of only nine short years. The stricken husband bowed his 
head and wept long, for the love of this, the first and only 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA, 121 

love his heart had ever known ; his mother placed the Bible 
in his hands, saying, " my son, this will make time put off 
* its leaden wings, and while away in blessed instruction many 
a lagging hour.' " His Thomas was five years of age ; Anne, 
who nestled on her affectionate grandmother's bosom, was 
only twenty-one months old, she loved the warm pressure of 
those arms, although too young to comprehend the soothing 
words, " believe me, my sweet innocent, that I will ever prove 
to you a firm friend and protectress." There she grew up 
and married. She was fifteen in 1*776, when her grandmo- 
ther left her, in the will of that year, her gold girdle buckle, 
which, I dare say, she had flourished in for two years before ; 
for she had been a treasured child, dressed in the extreme of 
of elegance, and taught to curtsey with the most exquisite 
grace ; indeed, they had made her quite too attractive, and 
she displayed a little too much of womanly self-will by her 
resolute persistence in accepting the hand of Mr. J. S. War- 
ing, who, somewhat eccentric, was not quite as acceptable to 
her father as some other suitor may have proved ; she was 
bereft of that kind parent in 1780, when nineteen years of age ; 
previously to which she had become the wife of one whose 
conversation sparkled with genuine fun and good humor, yet 
a selfish, lazy man, neither improving the property she had, 
nor writing to enlighten posterity, although whenever alone 
he was to be found plunged into a sea of reading ; increas- 
ing intelligence which he never communicated, therefore pos- 
terity weaves him no garland ! I knew her well in after life, 
still attired with the best of everything, and her toilet made 
with the greatest care ; her stockings so diligently renewed 
that no hole was ever detected in one of them, and so strictly 
just was she, that each pair should be worn in turn, that not 
content to use them by number, she invariably stuck a pin in 
the next pair to be put on, lest Diana, her maid, should have 
mismatched them, and she take the wrong number. Yet 
6 



122 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

her's was a solid and most substantial character, and her life 
truly irreproachable. After her widowhood, which occurred 
early, she and her brother's family always made their home 
together, by which a great amount of happiness was secured 
to all parties. Family prayer was never omitted by them, 
(for their honored father had sedulously cultivated rehgious 
habits in his numerous household,) and whoever came within 
their doors was requested to come within the discipline of 
their house, for they thought with the Rev. Thomas Fuller, 
that, " if accepting my homely diet, he will not refuse my 
homely devotion ; and sitting at my table, he will be entreat- 
ed to kneel down by it." When wives and children had all 
passed away from the deaf man's homestead, many a long 
and weary hour would he have been compelled to spend in 
sohtude, but for that dear sister, to whom, in common jus- 
tice, he left his house and servants, as a life estate, in 1822. 
They had lived happily together, for their sentiments of pie- 
ty were fervent and habitual, and they w^ere both firmly at- 
tached to the Independent meeting ; so, too, was their old 
friend, Mr. John Rose, a man who, in his conversation, was 
easy and innocent, and whose whole life was exemplary ; 
they were, all of them, strict observers of the Sabbath, and 
with a very particular aversion to swearing. The brother's 
earthly career was closed only a few years before that of the 
attached sister's, she died about 1828, her departure was 

•* A gentle wafting to immortal life." 

You will observe that your grandfather Thomas, of whom 
we have been speaking, had not much of bachelor stoicism 
to boast of — since at the age of 18, he was married to Edith, 
the daughter of Mr. George Smith, and his Avife, Elizabeth 
Waring — she was born on the 15th June, ll55, and was 
20 — yet her lover being a precocious youth, seemed much • 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 123 

more advanced in life than she did ; they Hved most happily 
together for thirty-seven years, seven months, and twenty-one 
days ; they had been united on the 23d of November, 1*775, 
by the Rev. William Tennent, the patriotic minister, who 
died at the High Hills of Santee, of fever, in 1111. His 
Edith, as the affianced and loving girl, as the confiding and 
faithful wife, as the fond and anxious mother, was ever to be 
regarded with intense interest and admiration ; fully proving 
to the man of her choice, that woman's love is no fable. 
Their daughter, Elizabeth Ann, was born in Charles Town, 
September 24th, 1776, and was christened by the Rev. Wm. 
Tennent, the 20th of October following. She intermarried 
with the Rev. James Adams, of York District, (who had 
been called to the pastorship of the White Meeting, near 
Dorchester, which had just been rebuilt.) On Tuesday, the 
26th of February, 1799, the ceremony was performed by the 
Rev. Dr. Hollingshead ; she was then 23, and died on Tues- 
day night, near 12 o'clock, at Mr. Josiah Smith's house in 
Anson, opposite to George-street, Charleston, in January, 
1800, aged 24 years, 3 months, and 26 days. She had been 
for several months in a consumption ; the very gradual ap- 
proach of the incurable disorder gave her an opportunity 
to display all the tenderness, and more than the firmness of 
her gentle nature. Her infant died at its birth — thus fell a 
double bereavement on her devoted husband and afflicted 
parents. I need hardly remind you that she lies buried in 
the family yard, as her grave is marked by a stone, which 
you cannot overlook. But perhaps you hare yet to be in- 
formed that on the 14th of May, 1800, just 4 months after 
her departure to fairer lands, the Rev. Wm. Hollinshead 
one of the pastors of the Independent or Congregational 
Church of Charleston, preached her funeral sermon at her 
husband's church, near Dorchester, from the text — " To live 
is Christ, and. to die is gain." The sermon was afterwards 



124 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

printed by T. B. Bowen ; in it the preacher told us that at 
the request of the widower, he would speak of the afflicting 
Providence which had suddenly bereaved him of one of the 
sublimest blessings of social life. " Mrs. Adams having been 
snatched, by a remarkable conversion, from the pursuits of 
pleasure so fashionable in the circles of the opulent and po- 
lite, and having experienced a variety of temptations and dis- 
tresses, under her first religious impressions, she became at 
once, on her embracing the hope of the gospel, a pattern of that 
gravity and sedateness, and of that steadiness and uniformity 
which become every Christian, peculiarly qualifying her to 
be the partner through life, of a godly man. Mild, gentle 
and persuasive in her manners, humble and unassuming, she 
gained the esteem, and obtained a large share of the affect- 
ions of her friends, and made conscience of improving it for 
her own and their spiritual advantage. And although generally 
sparing of words in conversation, she was free to communi- 
cate admonition, when properly called- to it, yet always doing 
it with such humility and meekness, as showed her to be 
much under the influence of a gospel temper. Her dearest 
earthly friend, she loved unfeignedly ; there was nothing 
nearer her heart, than his success in the ministry ; her great- 
est desire was to promote his usefulness. In the domestic 
relations, she was a dutiful daughter, respectful in her beha- 
viour, and studious to maintain a deportment towards her 
parents, expressive of that regard to their honor and happi- 
ness, which she considered as due for their care and indul- 
gence in training her up through the walks of infancy and 
childhood, preparing her for usefulness in life. In her, they 
lost a pleasing companion, a friend and a counsellor in diffi- 
culty, and a real comforter in affliction. As a sister, her 
example, her advice and her prayers, which ever flowed from 
an undissembled affection, and from a heart strongly impress- 
ed with sentiments of piety, were employed for^the improve- 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 125 

ment and salvation of the children of the family. So much 
worth in so young a Christian, seemed to indicate the proba- 
bility of a long term of usefulness. But, alas ! how little 
was known of the intentions of Providence ! She was soon, 
very soon removed to the mansions of the blessed, expressing 
to the last her readiness to depart, and be with Christ, who 
as the holder of the keys of death and the grave, had deter- 
mined the time and the manner in which, to remove this 
daughter of grace to glory." Go tliou and be like her ! 
Long, her friends retained a recollection of their loss. 

Yet after all, time did wear away the edge of the widow- 
er's sorrow, and cast his reflections into a different mould, 
from that which they had assumed, in the first transports of 
grief; and he entered again into married life — and greatly 
to the satisfaction of your grandfather's family, he named 
his first daughter, Elizabeth Ann, after the dear departed 
saint of that name, in consequence of which, she became 
their especial favorite, and continues such, now, as the wife of 
the Rev. Mr. Davis, of York District, South-Carolina ; or 
they are just across the line in North-Carolina. Go thou, 
dear Henry, and like your Aunt, improve for eternity, the 
uncertain period of this transitory existence ; that like her 
you may hope to enjoy the bliss of Heaven, and serve God 
in a state of undiminished perfection throughout eternity. 

Susan M. Smith was born on the 24th of September, 
1'784, and died in Summerville, on the morning of the 6th 
of December, 1849, in the 66th year of her age — (as the 
relic of Mr. Josiah Perry, of St. Paul's Parish, who had 
gone down to an early grave in 1824, aged 27 — having 
buried his first wife, Charlotte Smith, and two or three chil- 
dren, and leaving a widow, with a daughter Mary, and son 
Josiah Isaac, the former of whom, intermarried with Mr. 
Chalmers Boyle.) " Many were the virtues which charac- 
terized this estimable lady ; ever shall we remember the 



126 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

true kindness of feeling, the honesty and uprightness of 
purpose, and the forgiving heart which influenced every 
act of her life. Never will her children need to be remind- 
ed of that unfathomable and never failing affection which 
made every thought and comfort of her life, and even exist- 
ence itself, subservient to their interest and happiness. Fur- 
nishing an example of self-sacrificing devotion, rare, even 
among instances of parental love. Yet, with the deep sense 
of sorrow and affliction which her demise occasioned, there 
was mingled, however, much that should afford consolation, 
even to those who were most bowed down by the bitterness 
of their grief. After a long and painful illness her life was 
closed in the beautiful and glorious sunset of a Christian's 
death. For many y^ai's a pious member of the " Dorches- 
ter Church," she left the things of time without fear or dread 
of that eternity which was opening upon her. The faith 
which had carried her successfully through the many afflic- 
tions of her life, enabled her to meet triumphantly this, the 
last trial of humanity. Calmly she slept the sleep of death, 
and long ere the morning sun had gladdened the eyes of 
those who watched over her last moments, her soul, freed 
from its earthly tenement, was bathing in the glorious sun- 
shine of its heavenly home. The stone which marks her 
resting place in the Parish Church yard, where her body 
reposes, needed no other inscription than a " fond mother 
and pious christian," to tell the history of her life in this 
world, and her fate in the next. 

Your father, George Henry Smith, was born on the 1st of 
September, 1793, and on the 16th of March, 1816, married 
Maria, the youngest daughter of Mr. William and Mrs. Eli- 
zabeth Day ; Susan, their daughter, was married on Thurs- 
day morning, the 1st of February, 1849, in Charleston, to 
Mr. Thomas P. Lockwood, the brother of her stejD-mother, 
and started for the family mansion, St. James', Goose Creek, 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 127 

for a visit. On the 4th of October, 1837, your father had 
intermarried with Miss Elizabeth Fishburne, eldest daughter 
of Mr. Thomas Perkins and Mrs. Mary Lockwood, of 
Charleston ; the ceremony was performed by the Rev. Mr. 
William Barnwell, the Rector of St. Peter's Church. Your 
father's death occurred on the 26th of August, 1848 — (two 
hundred years after the birth of the first Landgrave Smith) — 
he had been for several months an invalid. And does it not 
occur to your mind that, in some measure, you stand in his 
place, and must not be a careless observer of your duties to- 
wards your mother and sisters ? Yes, I am sure it does ; 
and by early training your mind to find happiness in doing 
good, you will always have the means of real pleasure at 
command. Ever desiring to be more known and loved at 
home, for a warm heart and cultivated understanding, than 
to be admired and flattered abroad. And do not, my dear, 
above all things, become one of those indigenous biped, 
whose too great ambition is to show a moustache, and be 
known among the ladies as " a dangerous man!" 

Your grandfather, Thomas, commenced life young, and 
by his first union had thirteen or fifteen children ; only four 
or five grew up. One would have thought that such a pa- 
triotic youth would have deferred " falling in love" until the 
prospects for his country should begin to brighten, or that his 
judicious father would have interfered to stop the marriage for 
a time ; but we find that it is an error to suppose that great 
convulsions disturb the whole order of society. Although 
the entire nation be turned into a camp, men will still love or 
hate as ever. For the dross of the earth, they will con- 
tinue to strive ; will still, if young and generous, go on to 
risk their hearts' happiness in love. To judge from his por- 
trait, and appearance in middle hfe, I set him down for a 
youth of noble mien and handsome face ; and when the war 
came home to us. 



128 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA, 

" Where the battle raged the worst, 
Ever was his right hand first.'* 

In peace he finished his course, and went down to the silent 
receptacles of the dead, and there will that body rest until 
the Almighty voice shall call forth the entombed millions 
from their chambers of repose. He had not only labored to 
subdue the host of enemies that inhabited in his own heart, 
but had waged war against the faults of others for their 
amendment ; and I believe that, in his dying hour, he was 
truly entitled, like the illustrious astronomer, Tycho Brahe, 
to have exclaimed with delight, " I have not hved in vain." 
And I, coveting a like blessing, have patiently and laboriously 
toiled, showing my Saxon blood, which renders me perse- 
vering and steady, never to be broken in spirit — never to be 
turned aside from the enterprise on which I have resolved, 
that of printing a book for the promotion of virtue and pa- 
triotism. 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 129 



LETTER XII. 

" Rest not ! — life is sweeping by," 
Go and dare, before you die ; 
Ponder well and know the right ; 
Onward, then, with all thy might ; 
Something worthy, if not sublime. 
Leave behind to conquer time ; 
Glorious 'tis to live for aye, 
" When this form has past away." 

3Iay 12th, 1851. 

Still trying to submit cheerfully to the various allotments 
of Providence, through a life of struggle and change, your 
old friend resumes her pen, to say that we are induced to 
believe that your ancestor, the first Landgrave, studied physic 
and surgery, at Edinburgh, in Scotland, from the medicines 
and instiyjraents mentioned in his will, and from the compli- 
ment paid to his son, the second Landgrave in 1*724, making 
him " Burgess and Guild Brother of said City," thirty years 
after his father's death, out of respect to his memory. He 
had then reached his 54th year, had had two wives, and 
more than a dozen children. George, the younger son, also 
adopted that profession, and probably studied under the guid- 
ance of his father, at a time when there was no medical 
school, and few medical men in the province, or he may have 
prosecuted his studies in Massachusetts, where it is believed 
that he finally intermarried with a Miss Quincy, which intro- 
duced into the Smith family the name of Josiah, borne by 
his second son, the Rev. Josiah of 1'704. His eldest son was 
6* 



130 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

called Archar, after a Scotch class mate and friend. George 
graduated in Edindurgli in 1700, six years after his father's 
death, at the age of 28 years ; the same year in which his 
friend, Gov. Joseph Blake died. 

Knowing that the benign and gifted physician is a priest 
at the altar of humanity, we will flatter ourselves that both 
father and son gave their services, whenever required by the 
needy, without money or price, and to the rich at a fair 
price. 

When the second Landgrave carried the company in 17 16 
to Toogoodoo, against the Indians, one of his men was 
drowned in attempting to ford some water in the way ; he 
was a pipemaker, named Dawes, who lived with Mr. Barks- 
dale. Your grandfather Thomas and aunt Anne, both had 
the Smith grey eye, yet their mother, Anne, was a black- 
eyed lassy. We have been told that — 

" Her dark and flashing eye did speak 

Of a proud and fearless mind, 
Imbued with aspiration high. 

With lofty thought refined ; 
Of sparkling wit, of fancies rare, 
Of lighter web than gossamer." 

This little maid was only six at the time of her father's 
death, and Susanna only four, they had previously lost their 
mother, (Anne Barker.) Here is the will of your great great 
grandfather : 

" In the name of God, amen. I, John Filbein, of Colle- 
ton County, Province oi S. C, a planter, being weak in 
body, but of sound mind and memory, blessed be God, do 
make and ordain this my last will and testament, in manner 
and form following : — That is to say, first of all, I do com- 
mend my soul into the hands of Almighty God, and my 
body to the earth, to be buried in a decent manner, at the 



THE OLDEN TIME OP CAROLINA. 131 

discretion of mj executor, hereafter mentioned, in hopes of a 
joyful resurrection at the last day, through the merits of our 
blessed Redeemer and Almighty Saviour. Imprimis — I will 
that my funeral charges, together with all other of my law- 
ful debts be fully discharged and paid. I give unto Mr. Isaac 
Chanler, Minister of the Gospel, the sum of £50 current 
money of this Province, and it shall be due, and paid at the 
end of one whole year after my death. I do give unto my 
brother-in-law, Charles Barker, £30 current money per an- 
num, for the space of ten years running, from the time of 
my decease, taken out of my estate yearly. Item — as to 
the rest of my estate, I do will that both my real and per- 
sonal estate, and goods and chattels whatsoever, be equally 
divided between my two daughters Anne and Susanna Fil- 
bein, and delivered unto them accordingly, when they shall 
arrive at the age of 18 years, so that each of them shall 
have power at that age, to demand each one their dividend 
and portion. In case one of these should die before the 
other without an heir, the surviving daughter shall possess 
the whole of my estate, always, provided she has arrived 
unto the age of 1 8 years. Moreover, my will is that in the 
case of both of these my daughters dying, the whole of my 
estate, both real and personal, shall become the right and 
property of Charles, son of my brother-in-law Charles Barker, 
and John, the son of my brother Charles Filbein, to be 
equally divided between them, when they shall arrive at the 
age of twenty-one years ; and I do hereby further declare 
it to be my will that my executor, hereafter named, shall 
have a discretionary power, either to keep my land or real 
estate under cultivation, and to keep the negroes unsold to 
cultivate the same, or else to sell the lands and negroes, and 
other goods, and put the money out to interest, for the use 
and benefit of my said daughters ; and I do hereby constitute 
and ordain my trusty friend Mr. Charles Barker, ray brother- 



132 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

in-law, to be sole executor of this my last will and testanaent, 
and do hereby declare this to be my last testament. 

" In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and 
seal this twenty-seventh (2'7th) day of December, Anno 
Domini, 1742. 

John Filbein. 

" Signed, sealed, delivered, etc., in the presence of Thomas 
Bulline, Hugh Ferguson, and Thomas Bulline, Jr., Secre- 
tary's office, a true copy taken from the original, and ex- 
amined by Wm. Pinckney, Deputy Secretary." 

An old paper before me, throws some light upon the cause 
that Maum Lydia had for her indignation against the Bark- 
ers, " they had plagued her master about his first wife's pro- 
perty." They had been married in Sept., 1*753, she seven- 
teen, on the 5th of December following. We have the 
opinion of James Michie on the Filbein will, the father and 
sister had both died, and Anne had survived its being made 
eleven years, perhaps receiving cold hospitality in her uncle's 
house, who may have desired to match the heiress with his 
son, or her other cousin, (Filbein.) Mr. Michie tells us that 
he had considered Mr. Henry Smith's quarys on the will of 
Mr. John Filbein. Your Henry is the beau ideal of a hand- 
some gentleman, intelligent and well educated at home, see 
him starting off on this first courting expedition to the house 
of his belle's gouty uncle and jealous cousin, reflecting 
thoughtfully as he rode slowly over to his neighbors, on what 
he was about to do, he remembered that deep feeling does 
not overflow in words. He resolved, as usual, to talk only 
common sense, and not too much of that. Entering the 
house without a shadow on his brow, for even should she 
decline his suit, he could be happy yet, and life be joyous 
still, doubting not that some other flower would in time seem 
as fair. He had not yet been introduced fo care, and every 
month was May. That evening sealed his fate, she met him 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 133 

■with such a glad face, that the philosopher surrendered his 
heart at once. 

"He thought her eyes had grown more bright, 
As childhood's hues depart ; 
She now was lovelier to the sight, 
And dearer to his heart." 

They had occasionally met at Mr. Chanler's Baptist 
Church, on Ashley river, until 1749 ; he died, and the ser- 
vices were discontinued there ; she was then thirteen ; during 
the four following years, she had spent a part of the time at 
a boarding school in Charles Town, and was pronounced by 
her discomfited cousin Charles, on her return to the country^ 
" as arrant a piece of coquetry and mischief as ever nature 
turned out." And he declared that any one who should be 
fool enough to trust his happiness to her keeping, would find 
it as " brief as woman's love," and was anxious to have it 
appear that he only felt pity, and not resentment. He really 
soon began to find comfort in one of his near neighbors' daugh- 
ters, where he was invited and spent many evenings, (not 
nights,) for one of the most commendable features character- 
izing parties in those days, was their early assembling and 
closing, for surely our late hours have nothing to recommend 
them but custom ; and I really think it the duty of every 
sober-minded person firmly to discountenance any demand 
of fashion, which can seriously affect the health of any one, 
Anne's lame uncle, (like Squire Burchell,) with his fudges 
and pshaws, kept her at a respectable distance ; but in her 
aunt-in-law, she had much to love, and from her cousin and 
companion Sarah, she received a large share of sympathy, 
both in joy or grief. The engagement matrimonial was en- 
tered into after a negotiation of a number of days; and was, 
finally, consummated in due form by the Rev. Josiah Smith, 
at the express desire of his first cousin, the groom, although 



134 THE OLDEN TIME OP CAROLINA. 

his speech was then greatly aflfected by the palsy. The cere- 
mony was very short, yet those few words had annihilated 
the bride's liberty forever. 

" And often did she at His altar bow, 
Praying for strength to keep the marriage voW; 
That bright and sacred it might ever be, 
Stored in the treasure cell of memory ; 
Recorded by an angel's pen on high, 
And must be questioned in eternity." 

Madam Smith, accompanied by her revered friend Josiah, 
and a large party of relatives and other guest, attended the 
young couple to their splendid home, which, no doubt, the 
bride entered with high hopes and pleasing anticipations, all 
fully realized in the nine years that she was spared to them. 
In her to the rarest personal attractions, there were added 
the more valuable qualities of the mind ; Henry had secured 
a rich treasure. The bridal chamber was the large west 
room up stairs in the mansion. 

You have been told how, when this loved one died, the 
widower bowed his head in that mute anguish, which is 
more touching than the loudest lamentation, and, for several 
months, he sat down in deep solitude and desolation. Many 
were the true friends, who expressed their cordial sympathy 
in his sorrows. As he was greatly afifected by the mute me- 
morials, ever in his sight, his tender mother persuaded him 
to remove to the chamber below, on the piazza, and also 
west. When his emotions had somewhat subsided, he re- 
turned to society, and the duties of his station in life. But, 
ultimately, another was destined to be mistress of his heart 
and hand, as well as of his much-coveted ancestral hall. Yet, 
to her on whom his affections rested, such extrinsic splendors 
were of little value in her eyes. She first respected him for 
having mourned deeply, the early death of her who had 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 135 

loved him fervently, and then she felt how happy she would 
be to lean on a man of his character for support and guid- 
ance ; one of such a generous, unselfish, and devoted nature. 
She had been told that, to his other eminent virtues, he 
added that of frugality without avarice, and generosity with- 
out extravagance, and that his whole conduct was truly amia- 
ble and exemplary. Eighteen months had sped away, when 
Henry's mother would sometimes intrude upon his voluntary 
retirement, and speaking to him with perfect frankness, en- 
courage the shaking off of the incubus which was pressing on 
his heart ; and to put away the repining and mournful 
thoughts that filled his mind when alone, saying " Although 
in society you deceive us by your forced cheerfulness, we know 
your deep grief; a sufficient interval has elapsed since the death 
of Anne, for you to think seriously of giving your little ones 
another"[protectress ; for you know, my son, that I am aged, 
and you, too, need a companion and a comforter." Thus en- 
couraged, he turned his attention to Elizabeth, the eldest 
daughter of John Coming Ball and his first wife, Catherine 
Gendron, at Hyde Park, St. John's Parish, (now owned and 
occupied, dear Henry, by your second cousin, Mr. John, the 
son of the late Mr. Isaac Ball, who has intermarried with his 
first cousin. Miss Maria Louisa Gibbs, of St. James', Santee.) 
Spring had been succeeded by summer ; how bright to the 
lovers ! summer had ripened into autumn, with its golden 
harvest, gladdening all hearts with abundance ; but this joy- 
ous exaltation of soul, this spring-time of happiness, was soon 
to be succeeded by heart-sickness and deep-sorrow, for her 
loved and honored father died on the 21st of October, 1*764, 
on Sunday, half-after one o'clock, in the morning, leaving his 
widow Judith, with her young son John Coming and his 
own sisters, Jane and Eleanor, and of his Catherine's chil- 
dren, there was Elias, twenty years of age ; Elizabeth, eigh- 
teen ; Catherine, thirteen ; and Anne, eleven. The marriage 



136 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

was privately celebrated on the thirteenth of December fol- 
lowing, and in Mr. Smith, the whole family secured one of 
the best of friends and advisers. In the "Poem of Limerick" 
we are introduced to this interesting family at Hyde Park, 
thus : 

" But hghter tales sometimes we would require, 
As close we crept around the cheerful fire, 
Of what ' Old Master' used to do and say. 
Or how Mass Lias, a courting went one day ; 
And many a pleasant tale of Lady fair, 
In rich brocade, and geras and auburn hair ; 
How lovers flocked around, their hands to gain. 
Because, forsooth, their father's rich domain 
Spread far and wide, o'er many an acre good. 
Enriched with smiling fields and shady wood !" 

I stand forth the champion to exonerate this lover from 
every spark of interestedness. All that he desired was one 
who could dare to eschew prejudice, and act as becomes a 
natural woman, who would be the proper guide and director 
of his well-ordered household ; possessing a practical know- 
ledge ot domestic economy ; and with all, a mind stored by 
reflection as well as reading. In that house he found nothing 
but kindness and simplicity pervading the manners of its in- 
habitants, and, from its number, he chose 

" Her, whose unsullied soul looked out, 

From the bright eye of blue ; 

The token ot a guileless heart, 

Forever warm and true ; 

And thoughts of Heaven, of hopes on high. 

Were mirrored in her deep blue eye." 

Life seemed to promise a thousand advantages with him 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 137 

who was.now the solace of her early grief, in the loss of her 
loved parent, who had only attained to the age of fifty years. 

"A husband ready now to wear 
The smile of love for her was ever near ; 
Full of bright plans in view for every day, 
All tending first to make her spirit gay." 

And all her sunny anticipations were realized. To his vene- 
rated mother, then sixty-seven years of age, her delicate kind- 
ness was unbounded ; her feelings were considered, her taste 
consulted ; whilst she was flatteringly looked up to as the 
" guardian angel " of all the inmates of that happy home ; 
who asked her advice on important occasions, and followed it 
implicitly. From this very suitable alliance, sprang the fol- 
lowing family : 

Henry was born on the 30th of September, 1765, ten 
months after the union ; he lived only a few months, when 
the reluctant parents were called upon to resign him. 

" So fades the lovely, blooming flower, 
Frail, smiling solace of an hour." 

Their second son was born 28th of May, 1767 ; he expired 
immediately. Catherine was born the 20th of October, 1768; 
she intermarried with Dr. John Ernest Poyas, and died in 
1836, aged sixty-six; her husband had died in September, 
1824. Elizabeth Smith was born 1st of July, 1770, died on 
the 19th of August, 1846, aged seventy-six. Judith Ann 
was born 5th of September, 1771, died in infancy. Harriet 
was born on the 22d of August, 1772 ; she intermarried in 
1789, with Richard, the only son of Colonel William Scott, 
of the Revolution, and his wife Mary, the daughter of Richard 
and Florence Waring, of Pine Hill, St. George's Parish, her 
husband expired on the 21st of April, 1818, of Influenza, 



138 THE OLDEN TIME OE CAROLINA. 

aged fifty-five, and she of fever, on the 19th of October, 1822, 
aged fifty years, two months. Mary Ann, (ahas Polly,) was 
born the 30th of September, 1774, and died in July, 1825, 
aged fifty-one years, nine months. Sarah, born the 3d of 
March, 1776, died in childhood. Jane Ball was born on the 
20th of November, 1778, died next day. The father died on 
the 8th of December, 1780, aged fifty -three years. The mo- 
ther on the 30th of April, 1787, aged forty-one years. Most 
of the above lie buried in your family yard, dear Henry ,where 
soon you may be called upon to place the Octogenerian 
Lady. 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 139 



LETTER XIII. 

June 6th, 1851. 

My Dear Henry : 
I am 

'' Only waiting till the angels, 
Open wide the mystic gate. 
At whose feet I long have lingered, 
Weary, poor and desolate.'^ 

** Then from out surrounding darkness. 
Holy, deathless stars shall rise, 
By whose light, my soul shall gladly 
Tread its pa ihway to the skies" 

Such a cliaos of events are floating in my brain, now that 
I am fairly set upon antiquarian research, that I am at a loss 
where to begin, and where to end. We are now to take up 
one who became a man of quiet and inoffensive Hfe— Thom- 
as, the son of Thomas and Mary Smith. He was their eighth 
child, and fifth son ; born on the 26th of January, 1729. He 
intermarried with Susanna Walker, soon after becoming of 
age, in 1751, which was thirteen years after the death of his 
father. Their daughter, Susanna, was the wife of a Scotch 
gentleman by the name of Bruce; now the widow of 
an Irish gentleman, whose name was Andrew Smihe. She is 
a lady of such benevolence of disposition, and activity of 
body, as still to feel that she has no right to withdraw from 
the ordinary duties of life, although exceeding her YOth year ; 



140 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

and she does every thing in such a quiet, cheerful manner, 
making no ostentatious display. She is a complacent look- 
ing person, with an unmistakeaBle resemblance to the Smiths. 
In rambling about the Circular Church yard, I have observed 
near the edifice, east of it, tombstones on which the following 
information is inscribed : — " Mary Hyrne, the daughter of 
Thomas and Susanna Smith, who died in 1765, aged 11 
years. Edward Hyrne Smith, son of the same, died in 
1766, aged 5 years;" they were the sister and brother of 
Mr. Smilie — their mother was the sister of Mrs. Ann Hume, 
the wife of Mr. Roberts, and mother of the late Mr. John 
Hume, of Charleston — they all lie buried there, also " James 
Garden Smilie, aged 5 months, and Thomas Smith Smilie, 
aged 15 months." 

This great grand uncle of yours was a man devoted to his 
books and family ; his children never thought his commands 
arbitrary ; still he had a proper regard to authority, and did 
not fail to form in them the habit of prompt obedience ; 
teaching them that the only sure and easy way to appear 
good, v/as to be good. His want of personal activity made 
some of his neighbors call him a lazy man ; but they did 
him injustice, for he was doing good in his own way. He 
loved home with all its endearments ; and his active wife, 
with her admirable contrivances, kept all right. Whilst her 
husband equally useful, and less noisy, was doing all in his 
power for their temporal and eternal benefit, so far as educa- 
tion went, she, too, was making the best possible use of all 
the faculties that God had given her. With firmness and 
constancy of purpose, she went straightly on to the object 
she desired to obtain, and all with activity and cheerfulness. 
Blessed with a mind more than usually collected under ex- 
citements, she could accomplish more than most of her sex. 
This is a truthful picture ; if not vividly drawn, I have at 
least given authentic details of the facts, which is of far 
greater consequence. You will be gratified to hear that this 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 141 

merciful helpmeet never attempted to force, by persuasion, 
her good man from the solitude which he loved, for she knew 
that with his dear ones about him, and a rich library at his 
service, he was perfectly happy ; kneeling at the family altar 
night and day, to thank his Heavenly Father, for his creating 
goodness and preserving mercy. Here you have your rela- 
tions made living, present and visible to your senses — I have 
no genius as a novelist, but would have made a pretty good 
lawyer — fond of wills, &c., — and here is that of the above — 
Thomas. Smithy of the Parish of Prince George, in South- 
Carolina — 

" I being of sound and desposing mind and memory, con- 
sidering the uncertainty of life, do make this my last Will 
and Testament, in manner and form following : — First, I 
commit my soul to Almighty God, in hopes through his 
mercy, and the merits of my Saviour, Jesus Christ, to enjoy 
eternal rest. And my body I commit to the earth, to be 
decently buried at the discretion of my executors. And as 
for such temporal estate as it has pleased God to bless me 
with, I give and dispose thereof as folio weth : — I Will that 
all my debts and funeral charges be paid, as soon as possible 
after my decease. I give to my only daughter, Susanna 
Smith, all her mother's wearing apparel, rings, earrings, &c. 
My Will is that my executors do sell a tract of land contain- 
ing about 400 acres on N'ewton, being part of a barony, 
formerly the property of my father, the second Landgrave 
Thomas Smith, and also another tract of 600 acres, being 
part of the same barony, and to be run out of the same 
tract I now live on ; adjoining land formerly the property of 
David Deas, Esq., deceased, on Santee marsh ; the line to 
extend from Cat Island to lands formerly claimed by Mr. 
Thomas Lynch, deceased, which were left by my father 
to his grandchildren. And I do impower my executors to 
make good titles to the purchasers. They shall purchase 



142 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

negroes with the money arising from the sale of said lands, 
to be a part of my personal estate, and kept for the 
improvement of it. My desire is that all ray stock and 
negroes be kept together, and worked on the plantation on 
which I now live, and that the profits arising therefrom, 
be applied for the maintenance and education of my chil- 
dren. I bequeath unto my sons Robert and Henry, and 
my daughter Susanna, all my personal estate not yet given, to 
be equally divided amongst them, each of my sons to receive 
their dividend or share, as they respectively arrive at the age 
of 21, and my daughter at 18 years of age. To Robert I give 
the north-west part of the tract of land I now live on, with 
all the buildings appertaining thereto, bounded by a canal 
lately cut through the marsh from Wynyaw . river, running 
near a ridge of high land that lies between the swamp and 
marsh. To my son Henry, a part of the said tract on the 
south-east side of the canal, the same to be a line bounding 
the two tracts, to extend on Cat Island to lands the property 
of Mr. William Allston, formerly belonging to my brother 
Edward Hyrne Smith. To Susanna I give two hundred and 
fifty aci'ess of swamp and marsh lands, together with three 
hundred acres of high land, being a part of the tract I now 
live on, bounded northwardly by each of the tracts given to 
her brothers, south-east by lands the property of William 
Allston, lying on Cat Island and joining to a tract of six 
hundred acres, left to be sold, also lands left by my father to 
his grand children. To Robert and Henry, a lot in George 
Town, lying in Duke-street, to be equally divided between 
them. It is my will that if any of my children die before 
they arrive at the ages aforementioned, or without lawful 
issue, my surviving child or children,. be joint heirs of the 
estate. I constitute and appoint my own brother Benjamin, 
Mr. Samuel Smith, of Georgetown, my friend, (not relative) 
Col. Thomas Smith Screven, my sister Mary's son, (then 41, 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 143 

for he was bom 1*741, only twelve years after his uncle, the 
legator,) Mr. Thomas Smith, the son of my late brother 
Henry, and my son Robert, executors of this my last will and 
testament. 

" In witness whereof, I set my hand and seal, on this 4th 
day of April, in the year of our Lord seventeen hundred and 
eighty-two, (1*7 8 2.) Thomas Smith. 

" Signed, sealed, and pubhshed in the presence of us. 

" Witnesses — Joseph Cook, John Hart, Thomas, the son 
of Mr; Benjamin Smith, (his brother.") 

You will observe that this great grand uncle of yours, who 
was two years younger than his brother Henry, survived him 
only two years, both dying at the age of 53. They had only 
brought the war to a close, but lived not to reap any of the 
benefits of the peace. 

Mr. Smith's son Bobert intermarried with Miss Withers, 
their daughters are Mrs. Elizabeth Cheeseborough, of Geor- 
gia or Florida, and Mary, the wife of Dr. Samuel Cordes, 
whose parents were Thomas Cordes, and his wife Miss Char- 
lotte Evans. Henry Smith intermarried with Miss Bealer, 
their daughter Cecilia, is the present Mrs. Wm. H. Inglesby, 
and their Anne Poyas, the " first maid of honor" chosen to 
fill that station, at the late splendid Tournament, held at 
Pineville, S. C, on the 23d of April, 1851. On that gay occa- 
sion your cousin, Morton Waring, as " the knight of Caro- 
hna," entitled to the first prize for having taken the ring off 
oftenest, lowered the point of his lance at the feet of Miss E. 
P., thus proclaiming her the queen of " love and beauty." 
Mr. Julius Porcher was "the knight of Walworth," who> 
with all the gallantry of a true knight errant, lowered his 
lance to a bright daughter of Charleston, saying — " fair lady? 
I choose thee first maid of honor ;" " the knight of the 
Grove" being called, " Miss B. was chosen by him " second 
maid of honor." Anne, as the grand daughter of Henry, 



144 THE OLDEN TIME CF CAROLINA. 

son of Thomas, and you as the grandson of Thomas, son of 
Henry, have for your great grandfathers, brothers, and Anne, 
the eldest sister of those brothers, was Mrs. Ben Waring, 
the mother of EHzabeth ; Mrs. Joseph Brailsford, whose son 
John was the grandfather of Susan Brailsford, the young 
cousin, and attached companion of Anne, to whom she is 
first cousin on the Inglesby side of the house. There I have 
shown you a new cousin, but true. I quite like the idea of 
these Tournaments, they will do much towards making our 
youths chivalrous and gallant, and put our girls upon being 
more than ever fascinating, by resolving to be more than 
ever educated, and companionable to the noble cavaliers. 
George, the ninth child of Thomas and Mary, was born 30th 
of August, 1732, and is named in Mrs. Anne Boone's will of 
1749. Benjamin, the tenth child, was born on the 15th of 
September, 1735. As Capt. Smith, he was married to the 
beautiful E. A. Harleston, himself a \ery handsome young 
man. At Goose Creek Church you will find a tomb-stone to 
the " memory of Elizabeth Ann, the amiable and deservedly 
beloved wife of Capt. Benjamin Smith, who died on the 26th 
of March, 1769, aged 27 years; also, their daughter Mary 
Hyrne, who died September the 9th, 1768, aged 10 years, 
five months and eight days ;" the father was then 34 when 
he became a widower ; his title was Major, at the time of his 
union with Catherine Ball in 1773, (by his first marriage he 
had a son, Thomas, who lived to have two or three wives ; he 
left a son, Thomas and daughter, Catherine, named after his 
step mother, of whom he had a childish recollection.) She 
and her infant died ten months after the marriage. His third 
wife, Sally Smith, had one son, Benjamin ; his fourth, Mrs. 
Coachman, no child. We see him mentioned in 1765 as 
one of the executors of the will of Mr. Charles Faucheraud, 
who styles hira " his good friend." With our known prefe- 
rence for " old famihar faces," we can readily dispense with 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 146 

the labor of invention, and give you only home stories, the 
following has been dreamed, or conjured up by some heart- 
less wag, "who knew uot how to appreciate the feeling of one, 
■who, in the sorrow of bitter parting from a third wife, sat in 
deep cogitation by the side of her lifeless form, within the 
cedar room of your mansion. Por several years they had 
kept " the chain of matrimonial felicity ever bright and bur- 
nished." His Sally, as the daughter of that most notable \ 
old Mrs. George Smith, (the mother of your grandmaraa 
Edith of Westoe,) had grown up " a creature not too bright 
and good for human nature's daily food." For her sensible 
mother considering household knowledge to be of the great- 
est importance, had made her daughters well acquainted with 
the keys of the store-room, but never gave them a master to 
teach them those of the piano, for she was too wise a woman 
to regard the want of that as any deficiency in the education 
of her girls ; she desired to have them both expert at their 
needle, and house-keepers in practice, not simply in theory. 
Now let me narrate further, although it is a painful subject 
to be pursued, how the mourners went about the house and 
spoke words of consolation to each other. Benjamin had 
come with his Sally to pass a night at Henry's house, she 
had been seized with violent illness, and sudden death en- 
sued. Seemingly unconscious of all around him, deaf to the 
voice of friendship and condolence, sat the bereaved husband. 
Information was given in haste to her parents at the Pal- 
mettoes, of this melancholy event, and to other of her nearest 
relations, many of whom lived close at hand, and were spee- 
dily there to witness the sad reality. The next day a list of 
those to be invited to the funeral having been made out, was 
read aloud to the grief- worn man, and the question put with 
a certain low tenderness of tone, whether there were any 
others that he desired to have added to this catalogue of 
names ? " Oh, no, no I" he could not think — sorrow had 
7 



146 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLIKA. 

bereft him of memory — " go, go,*' he added, but as in obe- 
dience to his command, they had reached the chamber door, 
he looked up imploringly and said : — " Only don't forget the 
widow Coachman !" 

It will be folly to lengthen this recital. The loved remains 
were soon lost in the depth of the grave. Time stole on, and 
the widower into the affections of the widow, who had abun- 
dant remains of great personal beauty, and he felt that he 
had seldom encountered such a fascinating companion. "We 
are unconscious of any singularity of appearance about him, 
but have often seen his son, who strongly recalled to mind 
the song: of 



'ts 



" Two stout single gentlemen rolled into one," 

He bore his father's name, to which some thoupjht fit to sub- 
ioin the cognomen " shadow," others had nick-named his son 
Thomas " Hogarth," perhaps from some fancied resemblance 
to the likeness of, or great admiration for the talents of that 
most original of painters, or probably from the fact of his hav- 
ing been born, in 1764, the year of the artist's death, which 
occurred in London, England. Mrs. C, with a joyous and 
irresistable sparkle of good humor in her eye, consented, after 
the lapse of two years, to become Mrs. S., and I trust her 
daughters found him a nice papa. We are told that this 
family had every thing that was necessary to render their 
home, both to themselves and their guests, the nearest embo- 
diment of perfect happiness, to be found this side of the gate 
of heaven. The lady attained to a good old age, holding a pro- 
minent position in this community, she resided in Queen,west 
of King-street ; was benevolent and well disposed to do good 
to her neighbors, one of whom Mrs. K., has spoken to me of 
a part of her beneficence to herself in sending " old maum 
cook," to convert, for her, the most simple native fruits into 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA, 14T 

ambrosial, by the exercise of her skill, " all out of her own 
head," long before Miss Sally Rutledge had favored us with 
that excellent volume, " The Carolina house-wife or Cookery 
book," which she published for charitable purposes. Mrs. 
S.'s sight was greatly impaired in old age, weak, perhaps, for 
I have been informed that she often wore a green shade, to 
exclude the too powerful light, but 

" Heaven seemed opening in her daily prayer. 

It was her home of hope ; her heart was there, 

'Till gently from this world she passed away, 

And they consigned her to her kindred clay. 

Yet, as they laid her in earth's narrow cell. 

They knew that she her husbands had loved well, 

And now had gone to them, as stars on high 

Shoot inward, and are hidden in the sky, 

She loved their memory, and through many years 

Had dreamed there was a world unknown to tears, 

Where light and love should ne'er grow sad and dim. 

Where she should be at rest and be with them." 

Having, in the mention of George, referred to the will of 
Mrs. Anne Boone, of Charles Town, in the province of South 
Carolina, you shall have it : she was a daughter of Colonel 
Joseph Blake, who died in 1*700, consequently a sister of Sa- 
rah, the first wife of the second Landgrave Smith — it runs 
thus : 

" I, Anne Boone, widow, do hereby make and ordain this 
my last will and testament, in manner and form following : 

First, my will and desire is to have a private funeral, and 
to be interred at my plantation, called Mount Boone, and my 
worldly estate, as it hath pleased the Almighty God to bestow 
upon me, I dispose of in the following manner and form. 

First, I will that all my just debts and funeral charges be 
paid and discharged i^ convenient time after my decease. 

Item, I give, devise and bequeath unto my beloved ne- 



148 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

phew, the Hon. Joseph Blake, Esq., my Dorchester planta- 
tion, given me bj my mother, called Mount Boone, with all 
the buildings and improvements thereon, unto him, and to 
. bis heirs and assignees for ever. Unto my two beloved ne- 
phews, Thomas and Charles, sons of my brother-in-law, 
Charles Boone, by his second wife, (presumed to be Miss 
Blake,) my house and lot, I now live in, in Charles Town, to 
them and each of their heirs and assignees forever. I give 
unto my two nephews, Thomas and John Izard, sons of Wal- 
ter Izard, Sr., Esquire, each £lOO current money of South 
Carolina. To my loving cousin, Paul Jenys £100. To my 
loving sister, Rebecca Moore, of Philadelphia, £50 currency 
of Pennsylvania, provided she lives to survive me. To the 
Rev. Josiah Smith, minister of the Gospel, in Charles Town, 
£200. To the Rev. Mr. John Osgood, minister of the Gos- 
pel, near Dorchester, £100. To my loving friend, Mary, 
the widow of the second Landgrave, Thomas Smith, £400. 
Also £400, to be equally divided between her four sons, 
Henry, Thomas, George and Benjamin. To Mrs. Elizabeth, 
the wife of John Ballantine, £100. 

Item, I order and direct that my executor and executrix, 
hereinafter named, dispose of and sell the residue of my 

estate, either in South Carolina or elsewhere, and the 

monies arising by such sale, after my debts and legacies 
being first paid, my mind is that the part thereof still left, I 
give and bequeath unto my beloved nephew, the Hon. Jo- 
seph Blake, Esq., in trust, nevertheless, and the sum so re- 
maining, to be put out at interest by him, for the sole, sepa- 
rate and distinct use of my beloved granddaughter, Anne 
Slann, which interest so arising to be paid her annually, with- 
out the power, control or intermeddling of her husband, An- 
drew Slann. (From whence comes the name of the Toll 
bridge, near Summerville,} and immediately after her death, 
I give the said remaining part to be equally divided be- 
tween the issue of her body. 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 



149 



Lastly, I do hereby constitute and appoint my loving- 
friend, Mary Smith, and my friend, her eldest son, Henry 
Smith, executrix and executor of this my last will and testa- 
ment. In witness whereof I have hereunto set ray hand and 
seal, this, first day of December, in the year of our Lord 1749. 
Signed, sealed, pronounced and delivered by the within 
named Anne Boone, (widow of Joseph Boone,) Testatrix 
Witnesses, Thomas Dixon and his wife, Elizabeth Smith Dix- 
on, and James Elerton, (the Smith family Teacher and Jour- 
nalist.) 

"By his Excellency, James Glen, Esq., Captain General, 
Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over his Majesty's 
Province of South Carolina, and Ordinary of the same. To 
all whom these presents shall come, greecing, know ye, that 
on the twenty- fifth day of October, which was in the year of 
our Lord seventeen hundred and fifty- one, the last will and 
testament of Mrs. Anne Boone, late of this Province, widow, 
deceased, was proved, approved, and allowed of. Henry 
Smith, Executor. Secretary's office, certified by William 
Pinckney, Deputy Secretary." And now, having prolonged 
this letter to the length of an essay, rather than an epistle, 
must plead as my excuse the pardonable garrulity of extreme 
old age, yet am so far reasonable as to conclude with a pro- 
mise, dear Henry, of more mercy in future, convinced that 
you will now say to every lingering vestage of hostile feeling, 
"Peace, be still," thus persuaded and re-assured, I subscribe 
mvself. 



150 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 



LETTER XIV. 

Charleston, June 12^^,1851. 



My Dear Henry 



" She laid him in the grave, 
As decent as she could, 
And shed a tear upon his grave. 
For he was very good." 

Having' disposed of in some manner, his 20 children, I 
now retrace my steps to tell you of the death of the father, 
and give his Will ; by which you will see that you?' old rela- 
tive departed this life, between the 6th of May, and the 30th 
of August, 1738, perhaps in the enjoyment of health and 
understanding to the last. In his Will, my wife is twelve 
times repeated, my loving wife eighteen, and beloved wife six 
times. You will perceive that the old gentleman of 68, 
almost takes it for granted, that his widow of 41, handsome 
and wealthy, would not be allowed to remain single. He 
had attained 4 3, when she, the blooming maid of " sweet 
sixteen" took him; yet all things seem to prove that she 
never had cause to regret the act ; she loved him to the last ; 
and when on the bed of death, he pronounced his farewell 
words, many were the hot tears that coursing down the 
smooth cheeks of his Mary, fell upon his bosom, as she bent 
tenderly over his form. 

She had hastily collected as many of the children and 
grandchildren as she could, around the expiring man — the 
head of the house about to depart — there they stood, and 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 151 

hung in silence on his every word, that the echo of those 
well beloved and inspiring tones might long linger in their 
souls. The wife, who to the last retained her unswerving 
devotion to him, gazed intently with streaming eyes upon 
the countenance she had long loved, as if to fix the 
features on her memory ; whilst many of his slaves pressed 
towards him, to touch his hands, and bathe them with their 
tears. A few months ago, he had told us in his Will that 
he was " sound in mind and body," but now he was yielding 
to the unalterable decree of destiny ; and the grave was 
teeming for him. And they laid him in his family ground, at 
the back of his garden. The whole group assembled — was 
heart-rending to look upon — even the guest and neighbors 
were moved to tears, at the sight of so much unaffected grief. 
Many embraced and kissed her children — devoting herself 
ever after to their service. 

Here follows the mighty Will, which was proved on the 
30th of August, 1738, as already shown you. 

" In the name of God, amen, I, Thomas Smith, one of 
the Landgrave of South-Carolina, in perfect health, yet con- 
sidering the uncertainty of this life, for the settling, well-or- 
daining and disposing of my whole estate, real and personal, 
do make, appoint and ordain this present instrument of writ- 
ing, to be my last Will and Testament, in manner and form 
following: — First, and principally, I recommend my soul 
unto Almighty God, my Creator, firmly hoping that through 
faith in Jesus Christ, I shall obtain pardon of all my sins, and 
inherit eternal life. My body, I desire may be decently bu- 
ried, according to the directions of my executors. Concerning 
the worldly estate wherewith God in his mercy has blessed 
me, I dispose of the same in the manner following : — I do 
appoint that all my just debts and funeral charges be fully 
discharged, and paid with all convenient speed after my de- 
cease, Itein — I give and bequeath unto my eldest son, 



152 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

Henry Smith, my brick house or family mansion at Goose 
Creek, together with 500 acres of land joining on ray bro- 
ther. Dr. George Smith, and ray great marsh, also containing 
200 acres, the east — most part. Also to him, my Landgrave 
patent. I give to the same, 300 acres of my Wassamaw 
lands, to be taken out of the whole plat, he to have his first 
choice. To him also, 300 acres of my Back river land, and 
the same quantity of it to my sons Thoraas, George and 
Benjarain, to be equally divided, so that each raay have a 
proportional share of the Cypress Swamp. I appoint that 
my land joining on Granvil's Bastion be sold, containing '70 
odd feet front, and 1040 feet back ; which I empower my 
beloved wife to sell, and give a sufficient title to them that 
buy ; the money to be laid out for young slaves for the plan- 
tation I now live on. I give to my four sons, my Ceader 
Island, (now Smith's Island,) at the mouth of Cape Fear 
river, North-Carolina, being on the north side of the river • 
containing 800 and odd acres, also the remainder of my 
Cape Fear lands to the four sons. To my son, Thomas, I 
give 400 acres of my Goose Creek lands, adjoining his bro- 
ther Henry. Of marsh, 200 acres, of Wasmasaw lands, 300 
acres. To my daughter, Mary Screven, 1000 acres of pine 
land, joining on Whistimbo, and 1000 to my daughter, 
Elizabeth Smith, (afterwards Dixon,) and 300 acres to each 
of them, of my Wasmasaw land. The remaining part of 
that land, with 1000 acres of pine land, joining that I gave 
to my son-in-law, Benjamin Waring, and his wife, Anne, I 
give to my beloved wife, to her and her heirs forever. Item 
— 1 give to my daughter, Elizabeth, 180 acres of ray Goose 
Creek land, with 70 acres of marsh. To my son, George, 
150 acres of my Goose Creek plantation, and one-half of 
the second great marsh. To my beloved wife, 100 acres of 
that plantation, together with 25 acres of the marsh that is 
commonly called Cannady's marsh ; the land adjoining on 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA, 153 

Mr. Daniel Wealsay's sons. And, whereas, there is near 
200 acres of pine lying between this and the high road 
leading to Goose Creek ; it is ray wish that on a survey 
what belongs to me, may be equally divided between my 
beloved wife, and our sons George and Benjamin. I do ap- 
point my loving wife, in case of my death, to give Capt. 
William Pinckney a title for 120 feet on the eastermost part 
of my bay land, that runs to low water mark, on the north 
side of the said Pinckney's bridge, for which he has paid me 
the greater part. And the 120 feet of the westmost pait, I 
give 40 feet of it, joining to the said Pinckney's, to my be- 
loved wife Mary. And the westmost part of 80 feet remain- 
ing, I give to my sons. Henry to have his first choice. I 
do confirm such titles as my wife may give to Captain Wil- 
liam Pinckney. To my daughter, Sarah Bowen, 200 acres 
of high land, and 200 of marsh, that joins on the Old Store, 
and fronts Cooper and Back rivers. To my son-in law, Ed- 
ward Hyrne, of Hyrneham, North Carolina, I give 500 acres 
of land, on Lawrence Island, at Wynyaw, according as it is 
platted m the said grant ; which title I empower my wife to 
give him for his use and his heirs forever. I give the easter- 
most half of my lot, number 102, to be equally divided be- 
tween my wife and all my children. The westmost parti do 
empower my wife to dispose of, and sell to the best bidder, 
with the marsh before it. The marsh that lies before the 
eastraost part, I give to my wife and all my children. And 
to my loving wife and all my children, I give all my White 
Point land. And whereas there is a grant recorded of mine 
in the Secretary's office, which was taken out by my father, 
when Governor of the Province ; the original somehow or 
other is mislaid, though the counter part, the Secretary 
writes me word, is in the Secretary's office, which confirms 
my title to said lot, and the other part of my White Point 
land, as granted to my father, and his heirs forever ; which 



164 THE OLDEN TIME OP CAROLINA. 

titles be in the House. The aforesaid White Point may be 
divided by lot. And whereas rny eldest son Thomas Smith, 
did, by a scandalous marriage, bring a disgrace on my family, 
on which I only gave him liberty to settle on part of my Ash- 
ley River land during his life, paying taxes and rent, due to 
the Government, which, when his surveying executor, Mr. 
Roger Saunders, sent me word he could find no title to that 
land, where my son Thomas lived, therefore desired I would 
settle it on his son ; which request I granted, as appears by 
the first paragraph in my will, before this, dated the 27th of 
March, 1732, (this 1738.) Signed, sealed and published, 
and declared before evidences, and since my grandson Thom- 
as died, before he was of age or married, which were the con- 
ditions of giving it to him, and therefore it consequently de- 
scended to me and my heirs forever. I therefore, empower 
my beloved wife to dispose to the best bidder. And whereas 
I have lately sold to Dr. Martini, part of two or three small 
tracts on the westmost part of Goose Creek high road, which 
I have yet signed no title for ; in case of my death I em- 
power my wife to give him a title. And whereas, Mr. Swin- 
ton, of Wynyaw, has, in a triumphant manner, writ me word 
that, he was before hand with me in getting the King's grant 
for 2000 acres of land, joining on each side on Mr. Comman- 
der at Black River, which was surveyed and platted, first of all, 
by Mr. Leagrand, who could not finish it, he having a mis- 
fortune by falling into a pitch hoole ; I got one Mr. Robert- 
son, one of Mr. St. John's deputies, to survey and return the 
same as a sworn officer, in part of my Landgrave Patent : all 
of this was done before Mr. Swinton's undermining title, of 
which I complained in Governor Broughton's time, who sent 
me such an answer, Mr. Swinton's friends won't like to 
see.. I was also informed by Major Pawley, that Captain 
Akings had also underhand run out several hundred acres of 
my land, that was returned me by virtue of my patent, by 



THE OLDEN TIME ©F CAROLINA. 156 

the late Governor Broughton, when surveyor General, above 
twenty-six years ago. And some since returned by Mr. 
Young, when surveyor general, and titles and rent always 
paid for. So that I hope and trust that succeeding govern- 
ment will not let my poor family suffer, contrary to all: laws 
and equity. And whereas, as I have laid out a Township on 
oiy Wynyaw barony, and have advertised to sell part of it, 
and to give part of it to strangers, as also to rent out part ; 
I do authorize my loving wife to sign such writings, that 
either the purchasers or renters may be sure of a good title, 
according to agreement made with her during her widow- 
hood. Whereas I have reserved for myself 20 lots on the 
front said Township, which runs back to the first cross street. 
1 give unto my son Henry lots 16 and 46, as appears in the 
model of the said town. To Thomas 13 and 43. To George 
two lots, 10 and 40. To Benjamin 19 and 49. I give to 
my loving wife the lots 22 and 52. To my daughter Anne 
Waring, 25 and 55. To daughter Justina Moore, 28 and 58. 
To daughter Sarah Bowen, Y and 37. To daughter Mary 
Screven, 4 and 34. To Elizabeth Smith, 1 and 31. I give 
unto Dorathy, daughter of my good friend, the Rev. Nathan- 
iel Bassett, one lot. No. 106. And, whereas, I have thirty- 
one grand and great grand children, I give unto each a lot, 
beginning at No. 301, fronting Church street, to No. 315, 
joining Broad street. And from No. 331 to 345, on Broad 
street. And 361, being the corner lot of the first cross street, 
from Church street. I also give unto my aforesaid grand 
and great grand children, 2000 acres of land, to make each 
of them a small retiring country-seat ; to begin from the back 
part of the barony that is near Santee river, and to run to- 
wards Wynyaw river, to join that land which I have by my 
will given to schools, churches, meeting-houses, etc., etc. And 
whereas, in all probability, my loving wife may live at Goose 
Creek, during her life or widowhood, and so will be ready to 



156 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

sign any titles that I may not sign, according to my printed 
promises. I do hereby empower her to give titles to any I 
have promised them to. As to the remainder of my Wyn- 
yaw Barony that extends to the northvs^ard and southward of 
the said town, I give unto my sons Henry, Thomas, George 
and Benjamin, 1000 acres, each, which is to be run out pro- 
portion to north and south side of the barony. Henry to 
have his first choice, then Thomas, George and Ben. And 
seeing they are all much under age — Henry, only eleven ; 
Thomas, nine ; George, seven ; Benjamin, three. I do order 
my loving wife, during her life time and widowhood, to take 
care and bring up my minor children, as a parent and guard- 
ian, in the fear of God, and to chuse out this land for them 
according to my order. Now, what is still more remaining 
of my Barony land, I do empower my loving wife to sell to 
any purchaser that will buy. In case she cannot sell, to rent 
or lease it out for what term of years she pleaseth. And, 
whereas, I have title to 1000 acres of swamp land, which lies 
between Pee Dee and Waccamaw rivers, it is my will, and I 
do give it to be equally divided between my sons and wife. I 
have 1100 acres of land on Lawrence Island, joining on Pee 
Dee and Waccamaw rivers, and 2000 acres of land fronting 
Black river, joining Mr. Commander's with platt of 45 acres of 
oak and hickory land, all which I give to be equally divided 
between my son-in-law. Waring, my son-in-law, Screven, and 
my daughter Elizabeth. And, whereas, there is 148 acres 
left of my Goose Creek plantation, with 46 acres of the west 
most part of my second great marsh, which I give unto my 
son Benjamin. I have empowered my loving wife during her 
life or widowhood, to sell and rent the lands according to the 
platt of the town, except such lots as I have given away in my 
printed advertisement, and do ratify and confirm what my 
wife may do in the premises which I confirm to such persons 
that she shall agree with them and their heirs forever. And 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 157 

the nett produce of all money as she may receive, I give unto 
my wife Mary and all my children, each of them a like part, 
except £100 to the poor of the Rev. Nathaniel Bassett's 
meeting house, in Charles Town, to be distributed by the of- 
ficers of said meeting. Also, £50 to my cousin, N. Bassett, 
minister of the same. Also £50 to my nephew, the Rev. Jo- 
siah Smith. Also, £50 to my son Waring, and £50 to ray 
son Screven. Also, £50 to my nephew, Archar Smith, (the 
eldest son of Dr. George and brother of Josiah,) and to each 
of them and their children, a town lot in the third cross street, 
as their fathers shall chuse for them. 'Tis my will, and I do 
give to my loving wife, my silver powder box, tea pot, tea 
table and what belongs to it. Also, what bed and curtains 
she will chuse, with sheets, pillows and pillowbers, each two 
pair, with the best chest of drawers, quilt and blanketts. To 
her I give Cooper Andrew, his wife Moll, and their three 
children that are youngest ; together with the sixth part of 
my cattle, horses, hogs and sheep. One sixth part of 
any of the household goods, (plate excepted.) To my 
daughter Waring, a large silver salver, to Justina Moore, 
two silver spoons. To Mary Screven and Elizabeth Smith 
£300 each, out of money that may become due, out of 
the Half way House land. To sons Henry and Thom- 
as, daughters Mary and Elizabeth, sons George and Ben- 
jamin, my whole personal estate, except Mary, which I 
give my loving wife, during her life, after which to descend 
to ray son Henry. I give two cows and calves to Sue, the 
daughter of Mary, to be delivered to the mother for the girl, 
to buy clothes and necessaries for her, and the said Sue to be 
free for herself, after serving my wife, Mary Smith, to the age 
of 18 years. I give unto Henry, my large silver tankard, 
and my double barrel pist<jls, and such a gun as he shall 
chuse out of my guns ; and my silver hilted sword, and two 
silver spoons. To Thomas, my silver tankard, that I bought 



158 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

of Mr. Weakly, together with a fowliog piece, his second 
choice, and one silver spoon. To my loving wife, my large 
silver spoon or ladle, during her life, and after her decease, 
to go to our eldest son, Henry. To my daughter, Elizabeth, 
my silver candlestick and one spoon. It is my will that the 
remainder of my plate, not in particular given away, I desire 
my wife to see it equally divided between our little boys, 
George and Benjamin. If either of my children die before 
they marry, or come of age, then my will is that, what is 
given to them, shall devolve to my loving wife, and the rest 
of my children. I have appointed my loving wife to be the 
guardian to my children, and to live on Goose Creek planta- 
tion, and to manage it, till my son Henry comes of age, pro- 
vided she lives a widow, but, incase she should alter her con- 
dition, then I desire my sons-in-law Waring and Screven, the 
Rev. Bassett, and my nephews Archar and Josiah Smith, to 
take my whole estate into their custody and act." " I, the 
said Thomas Smith, do, by these present, codicil, confirm and 
ratify my said last will and testament. And that there may 
be no dispute about my loving wife managing my estate, and 
living at the mansion, or on any of my lands not given to 
those of age. I do empower her to remove my hands any- 
where she thinks fit, in order to enlarge my personal estate, 
and if she finds that it shall please God to increase it more 
than will maintain herself and the children with her, the 
overplus, I would have her put to interest for the use of my 
minor family. That there may be no dispute about the di- 
viding my personal estate, I do order my beloved wife to give 
each one of my children as they marry or come of age, their 
part of it. ThisSddayof May, 1738, signed, sealed and acknow- 
ledged in the presence of us who saw the Testator Thomas 
Smith, sign his name to this, and all the within sheets. 
Charles Filbein, Joseph Hurst, Sarah Filbein and James 
Elerton," Before the Hon. WilUam Bull, Esq., President 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 159 

and Commander-in- chief, and Ordinary of the Province of 
South Carohna. "On the 30th day of August, 1738, came 
and appeared, Joseph Hurst and James Elerton, two of the 
witnesses to the within instrument of writing, who being duly 
sworn on the Htly Evangelist of Almighty God, declared 
that they saw Thomas Smith sign the sheets of the said In- 
strument, and declared the same to be his last will, and that 
he was at the same time of sound and disposing mind, mem- 
ory and understanding." Thus he died as he had lived ; for 
he had been distinguished through life by a clear under- 
standing, a solid judgment, and sound discriminating talent. 
Mary's afifection for her husband was manifested by her con- 
duct after his death ; and her care of her children was the 
theme of general panegyric. Time, with lenient hand, closed 
the wound, and religion consecrated her moderate sorrow, for 
she never leaned upon the world, that broken reed, which 
pierces many to the heart, who thus foolishly rely. They do 
but chase a shadow, and their hands grasp the air. And 
thus far have I raised my feeble voice, in support of the best 
hopes and consolations of man. Like the widow, in the Gos- 
pel, I have thrown my contribution into the public stock. It 
is but a mite, but it is all that I had in my power to bestow. 



160 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 



LETTER XV. 

" 0, who could but honor that good old man. 
As he neared his three score years and ten, 
He had made it the work of his life to bless 
Our world in its wo and wickedness; 
When he opened the page of the sacred word, 
Not a whisper, nor low nor loud was heard ; 
Even folly assumed a serious look, 
Whilst he read the words of that holy book ; 
And the thoughtless and gay grew rev'rent there. 
As he opened his lips in fervent prayer. 
Ah, many there were to weep that day. 
When the good old man did pass away ; 
For the last of his ebbing sands were run, 
And his labor was o'er, and his work was done." 

June 20th, 1851. 
Well, positively my dear Henry, &o much taken up am I 
with the delightful past, that it requires heroic self command 
to descend to the humble duties of this work-a-day world, 
whilst dim voices are ever haunting me from the grave, for 
the dream of life is nearly dreamed, and to my mind's eye 
mouldering hands seem to point upwards, and say " Look thy 
last on the blue skies, and come rest with us." In this world 
we are all pilgrims and strangers, but in that to which I am 
fast hastening, we hope to be reunited in glory with the 
loved ones gone before, and there we shall have no more 
partings, no more tears ! My place will soon be prepared 
amongst your green trees, where I shall slumber with the sod 
on my bosom — " dust to dust" in long repose. Ihe hand 
which now guides the pen, will then rest " within the icjr 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 161 

keeping of the grave." Believe me that it is no go?sam<^r 
thread of love, or respect that binds me to the memory of 
Madam Smith ; her's was a character to command homage 
and affection. The seven dinner tables that j^ou will see 
hereafter mentioned in her son Henry's inventory, prove to 
us that they did not live pampered, luxurious, and utterly 
forgetful of all but self. Madam, we are told, was habitually 
silent, but not proud. Her lar^e, soft blue eyes spoke only 
kindness, and with fine powers of mind was she endowed. 
Her sunny smile, and radiant beauty, in youth, had captiva- 
ted many, for she was a lady — a lady in each action, word 
and look. There w^as about her a refinement and elegance 
which no education can bestow, although with her there had 
been no waste of brilliant powers for want of cultivation ; for 
her fend father and delighted brothers, loved to teach one, 
who with celerity acquired every thing that they proposed to 
her as a study, encouraged by her sensible mother. Her 
fascination of manner and high-bred elegance, perfectly sat- 
isfied the fastidious Landgrave that he had made a wise and 
prudent choice ; and that in giving her lily hand at the altar, 
she had confered the greatest favor upon him, and he thanked 
her each revolving day for new proofs of regard to his child- 
ren, whom she treasured as her own, and for twenty- five 
years she made him " a good wife." You must, therefore, 
bear with me a little longer, whilst I give you some of her 
whereabouts, from 1740 to '49, and of those who thronged 
her house from time to time ; she was then only 43 years of 
age, gentle in manner, pure in heart, affectionate in disposition, 
emulous to adorn the high station to which she belonged, as 
the widow of a Landgrave, and yet " to bear her honors 
meekly," whilst she used every precaution to avoid secret 
interviews with those horrible bipeds, called heaux ; for al- 
though flattered by respectful homage, the dignity of her 
manner " swept all such obnoxious intruders away," and her 



162 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 



self-devotion to her family was beautifully repaid by their 
love of, and attention to her every comfort. To bring you 
more intimately acquainted, I will resume the old Journal : — 
"January 4th, 1740, Mr. James Screven brought his wife, 
Mary, to visit her dear mother, (she had then been four years 
married and her father two years dead.) 6th. I went to 
town and stayed two or three days. 20th. Madam went to 
Mr. Sam Waring's and remained till the 24th, (he was the 
brother of Ben who had married Anne Smith and died in 
1739.) 25th. She rented the Back River place to Peter Hus- 
kins. (It was usually called The Plantation^ as the first set- 
tled by the original Smith.) 26th. I went to Back River 
and dined with Mr. Saunders, and gave Peter possession of 
the house by order of Madam. 27th. I went to church with 
Mr. Archar Smith, our neighbor. 29th. I raised the hen 
house and packed the rice. 30th. Sold seven cords of wood 
and killed three hogs. February the 8th, Mr. Allen Wells 
came here and filled up five titles for lots, which Madam 
signed. 9th. I went with him to the Ferry, and from thence 
to The Plantation, where I measured out thirty bushels of 
corn for Mr. Tom Saunders, and the same for Peter Huskins ; 
from there I went to Messrs. Ferguson, Boswood and Mills. 
That evening came Miss Betsy from town, (Elizabeth, the 
future Mrs. Dixon.) 13 th. She and her mother went to her 
first cousin's, Mr. A. Smith. 18th. Miss Betsy went to Goose 
Creek to Mr. Waring's. 19th. Mr. Norman agreed for to 
pick up light wood at The Plantation. 2 2d. Capt. Fen- 
shaw's boat landed six cords of wood at the landing, windy 
and very cold. 25th, I killed a fatted steer, sent his hide 
and four cow hides to Mr. Wood's shop at the Ten Mile 
House. 26th. Pleasant weather and began to plough for 
rice. 28th, Began to dig the oat piece for corn. 20th. 
This day settled with Madam for the year, she paid balance 
in my favor. March the 2d, we went to the Ashley river 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 163 

Baptist meeting. 3d. Capt. Fenshaw's boat loaded six cords, 
and we began to saw the studs for the house, (half a century- 
old then.) 4th. Came Mr. Thomas Smith from town ; after 
breakfast he went to Mr. A. Smith's to company Madam 
Jenys to town, who had come up to see old Madam Smith, 
(probably Archar's mother, the wife of Dr. George ; he lived 
until 1757, but in town.) 8th. Sold twenty bushels of corn 
to Mr. Walker's Fatty Augre man. 9th. I went to church 
and M^dam to the meeting. I heard that Dr. Martini was 
married on the 5th inst." 

Allow me to digress so far as to give some account of this 
" Benedict, the married man." The years l700, 1717, 1732 
and 1738, are memorable for the small pox in Charles Town. 
In the last it was imported in a Guinea ship, as not a suffi- 
cient number could be found to attend upon the sick, many 
perished from neglect and want. Dr. Moybray, surgeon of a 
British man-of-war, then in the harbor, proposed inoculation. 
The physicians were opposed to it at first, but with the ex- 
ception of that French gentleman. Dr. Martini, they after- 
wards all came into the measure, nor could he ever be 
brought to approve, although^he saw the happy results. Mr. 
Philip Prioleau was the first person who submitted to the 
operation ; thus encouraged, many others followed the ex- 
ample, and the disease soon abated. Let us resume Mr. 
Elerton's Journal : — 

March 11. We have hail and very severe weather, now 
comes snow at last, to make it worse. 16th. From the church, 
I dined with Mr. Mimick and his spouse. l7th. Went to get 
bark, and took up two young horses ; Miss Betsy Smith and 
her reice, Nancy Waring, came from Goose Creek, from 
Nancy's Uncle, who sent her to me, to school, and to live 
with her step-grandmother, Madam Smith. 18th. Mr. Ar- 
char Smith's daughters, Sally and Succy, came to see their 
first cousin Nancy," (her father Ben and their mother Edith 



164 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

Waring, were brother and sister.) 19th. Madam went to 
town and we began to plough for corne and planted pota- 
toes — warm weather. 21st. Sold a fatted steer to Mr. Truss- 
well, and broke two young horses. 23d. I went to church ; 
meeting with T. B,, was absent from home, being lame part 
of the time, till the 5th of April ; then went to muster, and 
we did, alsOj on the 'Zth, to a private muster, and walking on 
my legg, was laid up till the 17th, then came home, but was 
not able to do my business till the 20th ; (your great grand- 
father Henry, was then thirteen years old.) April 22d. Mad- 
am went to Dr. Martini's, to see his wife as a neighbor. 23d. 
She went to see Madam Dry, and brought Miss Rebecca 
Moore, who had come from North Carolina to visit all. 28th. 
Mr. Slade's men finished part of the studing of the house. 
29th. Miss Betsy Smith and Miss Moore, went to Mr. Saun- 
ders' and we began to lath. May 2d. Mr. Burrel Hyrne, 
Madam's nephew, came from town. 3d. Madam and Miss 
Moore went down. 6th. They came back from shopping. 7th. 
Burrel went home. 8th. Mr. Leagree (Legare) came to see 
the bark. 12th. Misses Betsy and Rebecca went to Mr. 
Morris', and his boat came to load the bark. 14th. John 
and Archar, the sons of Mr. A. Smith, came to school again ; 
Mr. Hurst came this morning and brought two young horses. 
17th. Came Madam's brother, Mr. Henry Hyrne, from town. 
18th. He went to Mr. Backer's, (Baker, whose daughter 
Sarah, he married,) and carried the horse. Jolly, with him ; I 
killed a lamb for the house. 20th. After dinner came Dr. 
Martini and spouse, as did Mr. H. Hyrne in the evening. 
22d. Miss Betsy and her neice Rebecca Moore, and Mrs. H. 
Hyrne, who was staying with us, went to Mr. Waring's, 
Goose Creek. I sold Dr. Martini thirteen bushels of Indian 
corne — wind and rain. 23d. Sold Mr. Ferguson seven bush- 
els of corne; marked fourteen yearlings, nine of them for the 
plantation, three for Mr. James Screven, and two of them 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 



165 



for Madam. 23d. Mr. H. Hyrne and spouse went hence. 
25tb. Madam and Rebecca went to Mr. Mel li eh amp's, and 
the day before I went to his church, and that day Miss Betsy 
and neice came from Mr. A. Smith's. 27th. This morning 
Miss Moore took her departure for Cape Fear, to her parents, 
and Mr. B. Hyrne went home. 28th. This evening came 
here Mr. Joseph Brailsford and spouse, Elizabeth Waring, to 
visit her grandmother. I received a letter from Captain 
Grange, to appear and muster on an alarme ; thirty-seven ne- 
groes of St. John's Parish, taken up and carried before Mr. 
Colleton ; we kept guard all night in sundry places ; this af- 
ternoon came from the muster field, went again at night, and 
discharged after setting patroles. June 9th. This morning 
came Mr. Henry Hyrne from town, with his family, and we 
all dined at Mr. Smith's ; Dr. Martini had twenty bushels of 
corne. 11th. Mr. Shepherd and spouse here to-day. 12th. 
Carted seven barrels of corne to the landing for Mr. James 
Withers. 13th. I went to town and bought a suit of clothes 
of " Simmons and Smith," (the former was the first cousin of 
Colonel William Scott, then sixteen years of age, his mother 
was Susannah Simmons, the wife of Mr. William Scott, mer- 
chant of Charles Town. On her tomb-stone, south of the 
Circular Church, you will find the following notice, " Departed 
this life on the 9th of November, 1767. She was an affec- 
tionate wife, tender mother, humane mistress and sincere 
Christian, aged seventy-four." By her side you will see the 
grave of her daughter, Mrs. Susannah Jones, who had died in 
1764, at the age of thirty-nine years ; her widower removed 
to England, and was anxious to take with him Susannah, the 
only daughter of William Scott, by his first wife, Mary Waring, 
(the daughter of Richard and Florence Waring, of Pine Hill,) 
for she had been the adopted child of his late wife, who had 
become more precious to him than tame or fortune, and dear 
as life itself, and should have gone with him, but that she was 



166 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

the glory of her grandmother's old age, the staff of her de- 
clining years, for a short time more, after which Mr. Jones 
again applied for her ; she was then twelve or thirteen, and 
could not consent to leave her father and brother, only four 
years of age, to whom she acted the part of a careful mother. 
I am sure that you must become interested in her, when I 
tell, that she was the mother of your valued friend. Colonel 
Thomas Lehre, of this city. Old Mrs. Scott had a beautiful 
garden, some where on East Bay, which was almost entirely 
destroyed by the great gale of 1752 ; she was then fifty-nine 
years of age ; her son William was born in 1*728, he was, 
consequently, thirty-nine at her death. His son Richard was 
then four, having been born on the 4th of May, 11 Q3. Her 
great, great grand son, Milton Flud, died in 1811, aged five, 
and was put into her grave with a stone over him, between 
her head and foot stones ; about eighteen months ago, his 
mother Mary (Mrs Daniel Flud,) was laid upon his coffin, and 
an inscription for her added to his. She was the second 
daughter of Mr. James Stanyarne and Miss Scott. Let us 
take up the thread of the journal and leave the Simmons for 
a future volume : 

June 22d. Mr. Shepherd came to work, making cham- 
ber doors ; the house has been forty-five years occupied by the 
Smith family. 29th. This morning Madam went to Town, 
taking Betsy and Henry with her, to attend the White 
Meeting. I went to Goose Creek Church, and there heard 
of Colonel Palmer and near one hundred men being killed in 
Florida ; and I measured Dr. Martin twelve bushels of corne 
in the evening. 

Let me give you the little historical fact— Colonel Palmer, 
with ninety-five Highlanders and forty-two Indians, was left at 
Fort Moosa, to scour the woods and intercept supplies ; Gen- 
eral Oglethorpe sent fi-oin Goose Creek, Colonel Vanderhus- 
sen with the Carolina regiment to take possession of a neck 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 



167 



of land called Point Quartel, more than a mile distant from 
the Castle, with orders to erect a battery upon it, while he 
with his regiment, and the greatest part of the Indians, em- 
barked in boats and landed on the Island of Anastatia, re- 
solving to bombard the town of St. Augustine. Pamor or 
Palmer was surprised at Fort Moosa, and while his party was 
asleep, they were almost entirely cut to pieces, a few escaped 
to the Carolina regiment, at Point Quartel, in a small boat ; 
thus ended the expedition in disappointment both to Georgia 
and Carolina. The Assembly of the latter had voted £120,000 
for the service of the war, (Carolina Money ;) the regiment 
was partly raised in Virginia, and Indians collected from 
tribes in alliance with Britain. War having been declared 
in 1739, by Great Britain against Spain, an opportunity was 
afforded for attempting the reduction of the Fort at St. Au- 
gustine, as our negroes were seduced away. 

Mr. Elerton tells us in high glee that " June the 23d, here 
comes Madam Smith from town, and has brought a saddle 
for our Tommy, now 11 years of age. July 1st. Mr. A. 
Smith began to burn his bricks ; very hot weather, Prince 
went to town with butter ; thunder, lightning, and heavy 
rain. 3d. In the afternoon thunder and rain, and again in 
the evening, which split the east chimney very much, broke 
the sashes in the cedar room and passage, and the lightning 
took fire in the chitchen, but through mercy no other dam- 
age. Mr. Shepherd finished the doors. 6th. Madam went 
to town. Mr. George Whitfield preached this afternoon, at 
the Ashley Ferry Baptist Meeting ; I and the Smith children 
went there from home, and Madam came from town to hear 
him, and with her Mr. Js. Screven and Mary, then they 
came here, the text was Matt. — " Come unto me all ye that 
labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." 8th. 
This morning our family went to meeting, Mr. W's. text was 
Luke — "Two men went up to the Temple to pray, the one 



168 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

a Pharisee, and the other a Publican." Mr. Screven's family 
went from there home, leading his young mare. lOtb. This 
day Mr. Peter Hume agreed to take Mr. Leaspact's (Nes- 
bitt's) land at Back river, and twenty acres more, in all one 
hundred and fifty acres. 12th. Mr. Smith sent four negroes 
to work. 15th. Came a wench of Emanuel Smith's here, 
being sick; rain, thunder and lightning. 18th. Eight of 
Mr. A. Smith's hands at work here — Prince came from town 
with a bushel of salt. Miss Betsy went to town to hear Mr. 
Whitfield's farewell sermon in the evening, his text was 
Philipians — "Only let your conversation be as becometh the 
Gospel of Christ." 20th. This morning I went to Ashley 
Ferry to hear him preaching on wisdom, and righteousness, 
and redemption ; from thence he went to Pon Pon, and so to 
Georgia. Madam came from town in the evening, in thunder, 
wind and rain. 28th. This moaning John went from his 
father's, Mr. A. Smith, in order to go with his grandfather, 
Dr. George Smith, to Philadelphia. 30th. I went over to 
Capt. Grange's. August 1st. Madam went to town. 5th. 
I finished covering the old store with bark. 6th. Madam 
Martini visited Madam. Vth. I docked Mr. Smith's and 
Henry's horses. 8th. I set the sloop on fire for her iron 
work. 9th. I went to church, Mr. Mellichamp preached on 
these words, "Reverence my sanctuary." 12th. Madam 
went to Mr. Ralph Izard's to pay her tax, it amounted to 
£138. 14th. Capt. Morris' daughters visited here. 15th. I 
sold Mr. Joseph Brailsford fifteen bushels of corne, sold Mr. 
Partridge seven bushels. I7th. Went to the Baptist Meet- 
ing, Mr. Chanler preached from his text, " And great num- 
bers gathered and turned to the Lord ;" at night I rid patrol. 
21st. This day the negroes went on the highways to work. 
22d. Old Jose made Madam a pair of hampers or large 
baskets ; the cart went to Mr. Robert Woods' for hair, and 
brought home twenty-two pairs of shoes. 23d. This after« 



THE OLDEN TIME OP CAROLINA. 169 

noon Madam and Miss Betsey went to town to hear Mr. 
Whitfield preach, and the dog Jowler dyed. I finished the 
poteter seller. 30th. Prince carried things for his mistress 
to town, and the boy Lightfoot lost my saddle. September 
the 1st. Madam came from town, where she went to hear 
Mr. Whitfield. He now took leave of them for a time and 
went oflf to New-England. 3d. Mr. Smith and spouse, Edith, 
came here. I made an axletree to the cart. 19th. Mr. 
Chanler baptized four persons in Ashley river. 21st. I 
stayed at home till in the evening ; rid patrole. 2'7th. This 
evening finished the chimneys, Mr. Screven and spouse were 
here. 28th. Mr. Screven carried away a yoke of oxen and 
a mare. October lYth. Horse Jack bogged in the calve 
pasture. 20th. I received four hundred bushels of shells of 
Mr. A. Smith, carted home some, and in the afternoon Ma- 
dam and children went to Dr. Martini's. 21st. Mr. S. sent 
his young horse to ride for him, the same day the horse Jack 
dyed, being bogged. 26th. We went to Ashley river, but 
Mr. Chanler being sick, there was no service. 2'7th. Marked 
eleven calves, three or four more to do ; branded three year- 
lings for Mr. Screven. 31st. This evening Sir Eichard Eve- 
ret lay here. November 1st. I went with Sir Richard to see 
Madam Buyurs' negroes, he wanted to buy them. 2d. Miss 
Betsy to town, I to church. Mr. MeUichamp preached, " have 
a conscience clear, void of offence." We heard that Thomas 
Goodbie was killed by riding a race. 8th. This noon Madam 
Brailsford, widow, came here from town. 9th. Went home 
20th. This day a fire broke out in town, burning a great part 
of it down. 22d. From this day I was from home till the 
11th December. December 13th. Mrs. Bassett dined here, 
(her husband, the Eev. Nathan, had been settled over the 
White Meeting in 1724, and died of the small pox in Octo- 
ber, 1*738, two months after his cousin, the second Landgrave 
Smith ; he was their sixth minister.) They had as seventh, 



lYO THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA, 

the Kev. James Parker, from 1*740 to 1742, when he died, 
and the eighth was the Rev. Josiah Smith, who took charge 
in 1*742, and resigned in 1750. He was born in Charles 
Town in 1704, -was the son of Dr. George and grandson of 
the first Landgrave Thomas Smith. George was the first 
native of CaroHna who obtained a degree from a College ; 
and his son, the Rev. Josiah, Lieut. Colonel William Bull, 
Dr. John Moultrie, and the Rev. John Osgood, of Dorches- 
ter, were all the natives who obtained that honor for the first 
ninety years after the settlement. Dr. George died in 1751, 
at the age of 79, for he was born here in 1672. His father, 
the Governor, who expired in 1794, had only numbered 45 
years. The minister attained to the age of 77, and died in 
Philadelphia in 1781, when exiled from his home by the 
British, along with his son Josiah's family. That son, as the 
cashier of the branch of the National Bank in Charleston, to 
the 80th year of his age, ably performed the laborious duties 
of that office, for which a clear head, and accurate knowledge 
of business and accounts was requisite ; he died at the ad- 
vanced age of 95. You have often seen his likeness hanging 
in the front room of his granddaughters, the Misses Smith, 
of Broad-street, but of that branch of the family, I hope to 
speak fully in my second book, if ever called for. Impossi- 
ble it would now be to ascertain the number of the descend- 
ants of Gov. Smith, from his two sons, Thomas, the second 
Landgrave, and George, the physician. Those three were 
men of integrity and simplicity of manners, they were also 
patriotic christian gentlemen. Be sure that you bring no 
discredit on the name, or on the lessons of 

The Octogenarian Lady. 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 1*71 



LETTER XVI. 

Charleston, June 30, 1861. 

What, another epistle ? Yes, and in the words of some 
one else, I plead my excuse. 

" It is the expiring throe of pride, 
To dissipate the gloom 
That gathers round, and soon must hide, 
My glories in the tomb." 

This is to me a day of breathless hurry and agitation, full 
of those ominous feelings that will take hold sometimes, from 
a conviction that the dream of self-delusion might soon pass 
away, and the mournful reality flash upon my mind, that my 
letters may prove uninteresting to you. Yet, no, I will not 
succumb to this fit of dejection, but recall to my thoughts 
the maxim, that " wherever we greatly desire success, one of 
the first rules to attain our end, is not to appear anxious about 
it." 

Let us, by a return to the journal, bring ourselves further 
acquainted with your relatives in 1741. It tells us that " on 
the 30th of January, 1741, Madam's servants, Mary and Ju- 
dith, went to town on a visit ; 9th of February, Madam came 
up with a new saddle, cover and furniture, (no doubt she was 
a graceful equestrian then, at the age of forty-four ;) 18th, 
we killed the cow Spotty ; 14th, Valentine day; 19th, Mr. 
Mimmack signed his lease for the Back River land, 130 
acres ; 20th, sent three barrels of pork to Mr. Thomas Smith 
to sell, (he was the son of Sabina Smith ;) Mr. Screven went 
home, and I put on a pair of new shoes ; April 26th, I went 



1*72 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

to Ashley river meeting, and on to Major Fuller's funeral; 
May 2nd, went to meeting and saw Molly Latson (Ladson) 
and Thomas Bullen baptized in the Ashley, and Mr. Chanler 
preached much against infant baptism ; 11th, Madam gone 
to Mr. Norman's, at Back river; 15th, she has gone to Mr. 
Izard's, at the Camp, (he married Miss Blake;) June the 
9th, Mrs. Archar Smith went to town to increase her family; 
20th, I saw six persons dipped in the Ashley; 21st, went 
back to meeting, it being their sacrament, a great ordinance ; 
July 2nd, this day we heard that Mrs. A. Smith has a daugh- 
ter at her father-in-law's house (Dr. George,) as last week 
Mrs. Screven a son at her house in Church street; 19th, Mr. 
Chanler preached a funeral sermon for his own son, out o^ 
Job the 14th chapter, 1st, 2nd and Srd verses; 21st, Mr. 
Slade's men came to mend the hole in the hall floor, and the 
coopers to get rice barrels ; August 3d, this evening the Rev. 
Mr. Josiah Smith has brought Madam, Madam A. Smith, 
and infant, from town by water, (his mother and brother's 
wife.) He christened Jacob, and went back on the fourth 
day. This the 5th, Mr. A. Smith has began to raise his 
houses, the old ones having been burnt; 14th, A negro 
burnt in town for tempting io fire it a windy night; 21st, Mrs. 
A. Smith's infant died, aged seven weeks, and buried at 
home. January 26th, 1V42, Madam went to Mr. Saunders' 
vendue, and about midday Mary had a son ; (he was Bob, 
immortalized by the grajihic pen of Dr. Irving ; he died in 
Charleston in 1828, at the age of eighty-six, faithful to the 
last.) February the 4th, Dr. Brown took a lease of land, six- 
ty-three acres, of Madam, at fifteen shillings per acre. (With 
Mr. James Eilerton, the teacher, overseer and penman, as her 
friend and coadjutor, she was enabled to carry into effect her 
late husband's directions for the improvement of the estate 
for the minor children ;) 5th, Madam went to town, and I 
finished paling in the yard ; we have twenty lambs ; 9th, 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. l73 

Madam returned with new shoes for me, and I sold tifteeti 
cords of wood to Mr. A. Smith, and finished the back steps ; 
24th, I dehvered to Col. Alexander Venderdiiryson twenty 
bushels of corn ; last night Miss Betsy sold her mare to Mr. 
Wood for £30. April 11th, I went to meeting and Jewel 
had a colt; 12th, Joseph and Benjamin Hnrst came to my 
school; on the 13th, Sarah and Ann, their sisters, came; 
16th, Friday, I finished school for Easter; 20th, I went to 
town, whilst there, Mrs. Dart died ; 23d, St. George's day, 
Messrs. Screven and Dixon came and brought me two pairs 
of new shoes. May Gth, we went to Mr. Filbein's vendue, 
where Madam bought a man, Mingo, for £220 ; 29th, the 
plasterers came to plaster the hall. September 8th, the man 
began the oven and to whitewash the hall. October lYth, 
Mr. Wood set out for the Creek nation. November 8th, I 
went to Mr. Cattoe's son Paul's funeral, (Mr. Cater) Mr. 
Chanler preached from Job the 9th chapter, 12th verse; 
13th, Mr. James Moore came from Cape Fear, (the son of 
Justina Smith ;) 21st, heard Mr. Webster had killed himself. 
January 10th, 1743, I began school for the new year ; James 
Moore and Henry Hyrne went to visit Mrs. Mary Screven ; 
27th, I sent thirty barrels of rice to town to Mr. Thomas 
Smith & Co, ; 28th, Ann and Sally Waring went to town to 
school. February the 18th, Madam Izard here ; 20th, Mad- 
am Baker came, (the mother of Mrs. Henry Hyrne ;) 28th, 
James Moore started to Cape Fear. March the 10th, Henry 
Hyrne came back to school as his friend had gone home ; 
March 14th, Mr. Christie signed a lease, dated December 
20th, 1732, for fifty acres of land, at fifteen shillings per 
acre, £37, 10 shilUngs ; 22nd, Mrs. A. Smith went to town 
to add another to her family. Her son George intermarried 
with a cousin, Elizabeth, the daughter of Richard, (the son 
of Ben Waring and Anne Smith) and Florence Waring, of 
Pine Hill, St. George's. Your grand mother Edith, of Wes- 



1*74 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

oe, was their daughter, you know. 23(1, we dined with Mr. 
Catter, oft' a barbacue slioat in the woods. April 1st, Madam 
to town, and I break up for Easter ; 6th, heard Madam Edith 
Smith had a son. May 4th, Miss Betsy and her second cou- 
sin, Sally Smith, went to the Cypress, to Mr. Ben Waring's, 
Miss Betsy's nephew. His son by his first wife, name of 
the lady unknown, was the Benjamin who resided there un- 
til his removal to Columbia in 1782 ; he married his uncle 
Thomas Waring's Anne ; his mother died, the journal tells 
us, "on Tuesday, the 13th of the ensuing September, after 
this visit to her house," and his father was united to this self- 
same Sally, as I have already told you, on Thursday, the 
IGth of January, 1745. Capt. Benjamin became one of the 
first settlers and most valuable citizens of the new town of 
Columbia, after it was established as the seat of government. 
I remember, in 1806, meeting with his wife at Tranquil Hill, 
on a visit to her brother Richard's widow, when she merrily 
told of her vain attempt at making a muskmellon shaped 
hat, twenty-six years before, when they were all the rage. 
She said, too, that her good man had established a paper 
mill, which, she regretted to say, was too strong a temptation 
for the poor in summer, to set a just value on their winter 
garments, for they oflered for sale, as rags, such articles as 
the thrifty heads of families could make look " almost as 
good as the new." We had come in the journal to May 13th, 
1743 — Madam went to town with Henry, now sixteen, and 
to be sent on business to Georgia. Miss Betsy has come 
from the Cypress ; Sally left with the family for a longer 
visit." It seems she showed an amiable disposition by petting 
the child over whom fate had decided that she was, in the 
short space of two years, to exercise the authority and prac- 
tice the duties of a parent ; and no doubt gratifying in the 
highest degree, was the companionship of this young girl, to 
the beloved and cherished wife and fond mother. Neither 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 175 

can we reproach Mr. Waring for his second marriage, he was 
too young to resign himself hopelessly to a life of celibacy. 
Nature dictates maternal love. The noble and generous lady, 
(his first cousin,) who came to create a genial atmosphere in 
his lonely home, took his child to her heart for the love she 
bore the father, and soon she loved and cherished him for his 
own sake. "Journal lYth, at night, Mr. A. Smith's new boat, 
with one hundred and thirty barrels of rice, was aground at 
Dr. Martini's, her first voyage." He must, therefore, have 
lived between Mr. Smith's and the mouth of the creek. Yours 
is the first, then on the east side, a mile or two from its en- 
trance into Cooper riyer, " is the house built sixty years ago, 
by Mr. William Johnson, on a foundation that had been de- 
serted, from a rumor of its being haunted. Col. Vanderdus- 
sen, its former owner, lived in great style ; the dairy built by 
his order was lately in use, built of brick, with a pavement 
so low as to be flowed by a pump, the water passing off to 
adjacent low grounds." (You may, even at this remote pe- 
riod of time, find the vestige of a similar one on the second 
Landgrave's Beech Hill plantation ; that means the beautiful 
hill opposite to your mother's Westoe house, where there are 
wide spreading oaks, with the public road passing by it.) 
" The Colonel had also a fine row of mulberry trees. A re- 
port prevailed that he was a severe master ; and, after his 
death, the negroes fearing that he would return, 'making 
night hideous,' avoided the place, saying to each other, "if 
you go there, old Bandison will catch you,' J, B. Irving," 

I love your Parish, and most of all its romantically situa- 
ted Ancient Church of St. James. Its antiquated appearance, 
the death-like silence that pervades its immediate vicinage, 
and the time-worn, moss-covered tablets of those who there 
sleep the quiet sleep of death ; of those who shall never be 
awakened from their leaden slumbers, until that awful day ar- 
rives, on which the great Jehovah will command the wide 



176 THE OLDEN JIME OF CAROLINA. 

earth and the deep sea to yield up its inmates. A friend of 
ours, a gentleman of taste and piet}^, having long desired to 
visit that hallowed and sequestered spot, returning from the 
country some time ago, diverged the short distance from 
Goose Creek road to gratify his laudable curiosity, and tran- 
quilize his mind by serious reflection ; in his own beautiful 
language, he goes on to say, " As I traversed the deep and 
solitary vista that lead to the portals of that church, my mind 
involuntarily turned to a retrospect of the past — to the long 
number of years that had passed away forever, since this 
beautiful carpet-clad avenue, in nature's own livery, had been 
first used as a pathway to the house of prayer. How many 
noble sires and virtuous matrons — how many youths of lofty 
bearing, their hearts buoyant with the hopes of future man- 
hood — how many lovely maidens, with hearts as gay, and 
steps as hght as the merry red-bird, carolhng at their sides. 
Yes, I thought of how many, during those by-gone years, pos- 
sessing all that renders existence fascinating, who had the 
same feelings, were influenced by the same hopes and fears, 
actuated by the same invisible agency that controls my own 
destiny ; how many of these fellow-beings of mine are gone, 
forever gone, as if they had never been ; this place that once 
knew them, knows them no more. Yes, this very spot, this 
very path, where their footsteps fell, as they approached the 
temple of the hving God, is now trod by many who scarcely 
know that such ever were ; and in a few brief years or months, 
aye, perhaps even days, the same common fate awaits me 
too. Such is the tenor of man's life, a mere bubble, often 
bursting ere it is formed. With such reflections, I found my- 
self in front of a most chaste, but venerable looking little 
structure, embosomed in all the wild luxuriance of nature's bow- 
ers. The moss-grown stones, covering the remains of those 
who once held sweet communion in this sanctuary of the 
Lord, who has, in his own inimitable language, promised that 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 



Ill 



'where two or three are gathered together in his name, there 
he will be in the midst of them.' Yes, these testimonials to 
the departed worth, even these, were fast crumbling into dust 
beneath the insatiate ravages of time ; and in a few years 
they will also have passed away forever, as being one among 
the many unerring proofs of the utter instabihty of human 
records, though they were traced with points of steel, upon 
plates of adamant. Here, said I, at this porch, how many 
happy, joyful greetings have been given ; how many fond and 
anxious enquiries have been made, by those met here on that 
' hallowed day, the best of all the seven.' On that day of 
sweet influences, they were here drawn as to one common 
centre, for here they were sure to meet one day in the week, 
and interchange all the kind courtesies of life ; here they 
united their voices in singing praises to the Most High, the 
incense of which, ascending to heaven from this little rural 
tabernacle of the wilderness, were, perhaps, more acceptable 
than those issuing from the gilded domes of the most magni- 
ficent temples." He goes on to tell us, that " that the inte- 
rior accords with its exterior, being very neat and chaste, with- 
out any attempt at elegance ; but the walls are adorned with 
several fine marble ornaments, exhibiting some of the choicest 
specimens of the sculptor's art, and commemorating the mem- 
ory of the ' illustrious dead,' of those who were enshrined at 
the commencement of the last century. At the east end is 
a large window, near this is the pulpit, from which, for almost 
a century and a half, have the everlasting words of life and 
hope been conveyed to those who seek the Lord with clean 
hands and a pure heart. The sides of the altar are adorned 
with four Corinthian pilasters, upholding cornice ; between 
these pilasters are the marble tablets of the Decalogue and 
Lord's Prayer. Over the east window, which is immediately 
in the rear of the pulpit, are the royal arms of England. It 
was this insignia, that saved this church from sharing the 



178 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

fate of nearly all the other country churches during the war ; 
as they were either burnt, pilaged or converted into barracks, 
and not the sternest Republican would now wish to see these 
symbols of regality removed, when it is known that they 
saved the temple of God from the violence of a mercenary 
and ruthless soldiery. Even this little church had its chapel 
of ease, some five or six miles beyond ; this is now a mass of 
ruins, the tombs requiring the chisel of ' old mortality ' to 
enable one to decipher their inscriptions. The Parish of St. 
James', Goose Creek, was the wealthiest and thickest settled 
of any around, the clergy of which, for many years, were 
supplied by the society in England for the propagation of the 
Gospel in foreign parts. There are few more antiquated 
churches than this of St. James', in the whole Union, and I 
shall never again pass it by on the other side. Similar to 
this are most of the Parish Churches in the lower part of 
Carolina. From their secluded location and primitive ap- 
pearance, as they stand embowered among the stately oaks 
and brilliant foliage of our forest, they are, indeed, well cal- 
culated to awaken feelings of deep and vivid interest" — requir- 
ing only the pen of an Irving to clothe them with as many 
attractions as he has so beautifully imparted to the abbeys 
and churches of other climes. And why may not our own 
Irving do as much for us ? he who possesses the precious gift 
of painting with the pen. He has given us an account of the 
sale of Dr. Martini's valuable land on Cooper river, to Colo- 
nel John, the son of Nicholas Harleston, and Miss Sarah, the 
daughter of Mr. Isaac Child. Mr. Elias Ball, the first cousin 
of Mr. Harleston, was married to Lydia Child, the widow of 
Mr. George Chicken, those unions took place in 1740 and '47. 
" Mr., afterwards Colonel John Harleston, was in the count- 
ing house of Mr. Henry Laurens, who had designed to send 
him to England, on business, when the charms of Miss Eliza- 
beth Faucheraud proving irresistible, he was diverted from an 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 179 

x\tlantic voyage to the shorter and more agreeable one, of a 
voyage hymenial. Having, by his lady, come into the pos- 
session of a gang of negroes, he resolved to purchase land on 
Cooper river. The Huguenot gentleman, Dr. Martini, having, 
in olden time, bought a tract of land, situated in the vicinity 
of his father's property, he resolved to purchase it, being then 
in the market for sale. 

The sum was agreed upon between the parties, a day and an 
hour appointed for the deliverance of titles, provided the mo- 
ney was laid down, £6 sterling for the uncleared lands, £30 
for those cleared and banked. Another stood ready to make 
a cash payment, but the honorable Doctor having passed his 
word to Mr. H., must wait until the expiration of the time 
given him to procure the money. He had gone to town and 
secured the sum demanded. Crossing a bridge on the Goose 
Creek road, he was thrown from his horse, and the bills of 
credit of the Province getting wet, he apprehended his bar- 
gain would be lost, as the time would expire at 12 o'clock 
that night ; there was no time for returning to procure other 
money, he opened his paper on the road to dry it, a puff of 
wind blew some of it into the water ; had he hesitated a mo- 
ment, they would have been lost, he leaped in and recovered 
his property. He used to describe this as a very anxious 
day, night coming on and he had far to ride. He reached 
his destination half an hour before 12 o'clock, and found the 
other gentleman sitting with the Doctor, ready to purchase 
the land should he not arrive in time to comply with the 
terms of sale. That tract of land comprised those valuable 
plantations, Richmond and Farmfield. Mr. Harleston imme- 
diately established himself at the former, prosecuting the ar- 
duous work of banking and clearing the swamp." We will 
transcribe the last testament of Miss Elizabeth's father, that 
you may understand the family better : " In the name of 
God, amen ! T, Charles Fauchereand, of St. James', Goose 



180 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

Creek, Berkley county, in the Province of South Carolina, 
planter, being infirm in body, though of sound and disposing 
mind and memory, considering the uncertainty of this tran- 
sitory life, and the certainty of death, do make and declare 
this to be my last will, in manner and form following. Prin- 
cipally, being truly sorry for all my sins, and humbly asking 
forgiveness of them ; I commend my immortal spirit to God 
who gave it, and through the merits and mediation of Jesus 
Christ, my blessed Saviour and Redeemer, by whom I trust 
to receive full pardon of all my sins, and inherit salvation. 
My body, at death, I commit to the earth, to be interred in a 
plain and christian-like manner, at the discretion of my ex- 
ecutors, hereinafter named, in hopes of a glorious resurrection 
into life and immortality by the mighty power of God. And 
as to all my worldly estate, with which it has pleased God to 
bless me with, it is my mind and will, that the same, and 
every part and parcel, shall go and be disposed of such way 
and manner as is hereinafter respectively mentioned. To my 
ever honored mother, a mourning ring to the amount of £50 
current money. To my loving sister, Mrs. Mary Grimke, and 
my nephew, John Fauchereaud Grimke, (he intermarried with 
your cousin, Miss Smith, they were the parents of Dr. John, 
Mr. Thomas S., Mrs. Ann Frost, and the Misses Grimke,) to 
each of them a mourning ring of the value of £25. I or- 
dain that the executors of this will shall, with all convenient 
speed, after my decease, convey, in fee simple, the plantation 
\ which. I sold to David Grame, situated on the southwest side 
of Pon Pon river, in Colleton county, for the doing, execu- 
ting, and perfecting thereof ; I do thereby grant to them the 
same power and authority as if I myself were living. I de- 
sire the rest of my property to remain together until my 
debts are duly paid. But it is my true meaning, that my 
daughter Elizabeth be suitably maintained out of the profits 
arising from my estate, until a division be made, provided 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 181 

she be sole, but in case of marriage lier maintenance shall 
cease. After my debts are paid, my estate shall be divided 
between my daughters, Mrs. Ma'ry Allston and E. Fauche- 
raud, in manner following : To Mary, the plantation on which 
I now live, together with the buildings thereon. To Eliza- 
beth, the place where I formerly lived, which my father 
bought of Samuel Bacot, and my plantation at Wassamaw, 
of one thousand acres, and ten negroes. All else to be 
equally divided between my daughters. I nominate my lov- 
ing son-in-law, John Allston, and my good friend, Benjamin 
Smith, of St. James', to be executors of this my last will and 
testament. In witness whereof, I have set my hand and seal, 
this the 22d day of October, in the year of our Lord, 1765. 
Charles Fauchereaud, (L. S.) Witnesses — Thomas Barton, 
John Boone, and George Murray." 

Mr. Smith was then thirty years of age, and united to E. 
A. Harleston. We have seen it recorded that twenty years 
before that, when he was a lad of ten, his mother had taken 
him with her to Mr. Faucheraud's, on a visit. He married 
his second wife, Catherine, the daughter of J. C. and C.Ball, 
in 1113, on the 8th of April, when thirty-eight. She, with 
her infant, died on Wednesday, the 23d of February, 1774, 
at the age of twenty-three years, after an union of only ele- 
ven months. His mother died three years after. His third 
wife was your grandmother Edith's sister Sarah ; his fourth, 
the widow Coachman. 

We will for a short space resume the journal. Late in the 
eventful year of 1745, when, as you must remember, there 
were three weddings. Miss Betsy became Mrs. Dixon, Ben 
and Tom Waring persuaded their aunt Edith Smith, to con 
fer their cousins Succy and Sally upon them. " Saturday 
7th, 1745, September, Messrs. Screven and Dixon and fami- 
lies came by water to us." 8th. We went to the Baptist 
meeting, and heard of a great many people dying in town 



182 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

daily. 9th. I shared the cattle ; Mr. Dixon's part, twenty 
head and one young horse called Blaze. 10th, Thursday. 
They have all gone home, and I paid Mr. Screven £3 10 
shillings for Mr. Whitter, on James Island, for two pair of 
shoes. 11th. Went to the funeral of Mr. Hurst's child. Sa- 
turday, 13th. Sent eighty bushels of corn to town to Mr. 
Shutes. 14th. To meeting, their sacrament, and Mr. Hud- 
son preached. lYth. Mrs. A. Smith and Wood were here. 
23rd. Mr. S.'s boat loaded sixteen cords. 24th. Madam 
went to Col. Pinckney's. 25th. Mr. Postell and wife came 
here. 26th. This day Thomas Waring and Susannah Smith 
took each other for man and wife (as already told.) 29th. 
Gro to meeting, and Madam stayed at Mr. Elisha Baker's. 
(Richard Bohon Baker, of the Revolution, intermarried with 
Sarah, the daughter of Mr. Henry Hyrne, Madam's brother.) 
October the 4th. Delivered Mr. Withers twenty-five bushels 
of corn. 5th. At the muster, heard that Mr. Peter Marion 
was dead, and Obar too. Monday, '7th. Mr. Dixon came in 
the night ; a great rain. 8th. He killed a steer, next day he 
went home, and Madam to Andrew Slan's vendue, witli Mr. 
Wood. 10th. She came from Dorchester. 12th. I came 
from Mr. Cater's, had sat up with him, and left him very ill. 
13th. We went to meeting, where we saw Mr. William El- 
liott and wife." Barnard and Wm. of that period married 
Elizabeth and the beautiful Fanny Guerin ; from one of those 
unions came Col. Barnard Elliott of the Revolution. I have 
a nice letter of his to his wife in the country, from town, the 
day after the battle of Fort Sullivan, from -that time called 
Moultrie. She had been Susannah Smith ; they had a son 
or two. His sister, Amarinthia, never married. But, dear 
me, how we have run away from the English schoolmaster, 
he was just about to tell us that " On the 14th he sat up again 
with Mr. Cater, and that on the 16th George Smith came to 
his father Archar, from Augustine, being twice taken by the 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 183 

enemy, the Spaniards. 20th. We to meeting. Tuesday, 
November 5th. Col. Edward Hyrne's horses came hero from 
Cape Fear. 10th. He came himself, and there was a joyful 
meeting. 19th. Thomas Waring's wife went home for good. 
Saturday, 12th. Went to muster. 13th. To meeting. 14th. 
To muster, drafted seven men to go to 96 (now Abbeville.) 
18th. Madam paid her tax to Dr. Brown, £61, 8s. and Gd., 
and received two years rent for ye Back river land, £92. 
December 2d. Madam went to town. 5th. She came up. 
Vth, Wednesday. Her dear brother, Col. Edward, came again 
from town, not meeting with a passage to go home to Cape 
Fear, and we had a ream of paper from town, cost 35s. 
11th. Henry Hyrnewent home. Wednesday, 14th. In the 
afternoon a thunder shower. Prince went to town with a lamb 
and Sue's calf; broke up school for Christmas. 16th. I, 
George and Benny went to Mr. Dixon's. 1 Vth. He and 
family left for Madam's, and we went to Mr. Screvens'. 20th. 
I went to Mr. Stone's on James Island. 21st. Returned 
home, rain. 22d. Col. E. Hyrne went to town in order once 
more to go home, and was to sail the next day — he came 
alone, it was many years since he left us. 23d. Mrs. Bret- 
ton came, Mr. Screven and family came, a lamb killed for the 
use of the house. 26th. The Rev. Mr. Chanler dined here. 
2'7th. Mr. Dempsey's two sons came to school, and Mrs. 
Bretton went to town." (Holydavs were short in those times.) 
June the 3d, 1*746. One young steer died, and another broke 
his leg. 4th. This morning, between one and two o'clock, 
Mrs. Dixon had a daughter born here, to be named Mary 
Hyrne. 10th. Lent a quire of paper to Mr. A. Smith. 11th. 
Mr. Dixon went home, and Henry with him. I7th. Mr. 
Dart and spouse came. 20th. Mrs. Smith to dinner. 29th. 
To meeting. July 4th. Monday I went to town, Mrs. Dixon 
on home, Mary a month old. 15th. Madam went to see 
Mr, Cater work his mill, hard rain, so she lay at Mr. Smith's, 



184 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

22cl. Two pair of sawyers went to saw for the garden. 27tb. 
Madam to town, to James Island, to Ashley meeting, and 
came home on the 5th of August." And these have all 
passed away, and so shall you and I. Everything around 
and about us speaks the tale, that man is but a sojourner 
here below ; then let us mortals learn our lesson well and 
prepare for immortality, for we are all hastening to that slum- 
ber from which we will never awake to this world. At all 
events I must soon expect my summons ; not that I am 
haunted by any foreboding of my approaching end, but that 
my extreme age is sufficient to awaken me to such reflections 
and expectations. For your sake I regret that much useful 
knowledge of the good old folks has been lost by the shame- 
ful destruction of the journal of twenty years. What Goths 
and Vandals must your visitors, or other inmates, have proved 
themselves to be, who could tear up such invaluable informa- 
tion ; and the little that they have left is fast hastening to 
oblivion, and would have become entirely extinct but for the 
untiring eflforts of your cousin. 

The Octogenarian Lady. 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 185 



LETTER XYII. 

" Pray feel for her who is struggling on 
In wild ambition's race, 
Yet feels that the gaol cannot be won — 
That her spirits droop and her strength is gone, 
And soon she 'ill find a resting place. 
Pity her who has weary grown, 
Of a world that loves her not. 
Whose joys have vanished and hopes have flown, 
Whose only wish is to be alone 
In the grave, that envied spot !" 

Charleston, July 6th, 1851. 

We will take up the Journal as late as Oct. 13th, 1748 ; 
"on Thursday has come the information of the death of Molly 
Hyrne Dixon, who departed her life last night, being two 
years and six months and eight days old. 14th. All ye 
family have gone to ye funeral this day. " January 9th, 
1749, Mrs. Tuckerman was buried at night in a great storm." 
Weep not for the dead, but 

" Mourn the living, drop a tear. 
O'er the pallid child of fear ; 
O'er the broken hearted crowd 
That a thousand storms have bowed ; 
Living grief hath ears to hear. 
It will bless thee for a tear." 

" March 20th, on Monday morn, Sue and Paul removed to 
live at Mr. Smith's. May 16th. Mr. Rigby came about the 
stairs, balcony and other things, came Mrs. Mary Waring. 



186 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

ISth. Mr. Smith and Waring's families dined with us. 31st. 
Mr. Rigby finished the work. November the 8th. Mrs. Sa- 
rah "Waring, Sen. dined here," the mother of Edith, (Mrs. 
A. Smith,) and grandmother of Mrs. B. Waring, the Sarah, 
Jun. " December the 2d, heard of the death of the Rev. 
Mr. Chanler, was buried this day, as also was Mr. George 
Waring's child ;" (he was one of the four sons of Mr. B. 
Waring, and his wife Ann Smith.) 

" Mourn the living, not the dead ; 
Sigh not for the early fled ; 
Mourn the living, but the dead 
Plant gay flowers about their bed. 

" Sing, for songs are for the blest ; 
Smile, for peaceful is their rest ; 
For their tones once cheered our dreams, 
And their smiles gave hope its beams." 

And now having thrown the Smiths and Warings pro- 
miscuously together for the space of ten years, respectfully 
solicit their descendants to come forward and select their re- 
spective progenitors, after more than one hundred years gone 
by. And thus we work on to the end of our task of love. 

You are to be told that the Misses Harleston and B all 
introduced the Episcopal religion into the regular puritanical 
family of Smith. The Rev. Edward Ellington was the min- 
ister for St. James' Church from 1775 to 1793, when he re- 
moved to Savannah, Georgia — a change that he did not long 
survive. By crossing the carriage and horses in a flat, and 
having the family rowed over the creek in a fine canoe, Mrs. 
Henry Smith and daughters had only a few miles to ride. But 
your mother loves to believe, as the old negroes have told, 
that " Massa stayed at home and kept mrvace with old 
Misses, his mama," and I have not the least doubt of it, for 
she was just drawing to the close of life, and we have never 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 18l 

ceased to hear that he was good, benevolent, pious and pure, 
ever devotedly attached to his excellent mother, who he sur- 
vived only three years. You. find that although you may 
never be a Churchman, I must have you take an interest in 
the early state of affairs in your own Parish of St. James. 
It was laid off by an act of Assembly, November 13th, 1706, 
and its boundaries defined by an act, December 18th, 1708. 
The Rev. Wm. Corbin, formerly a preacher at the Chapel of 
Bromley, St. Leonard, Middlesex, published a Thanksgiving 
Sermon there in 1695. He arrived here in 1700, and left 
in 1703. Goose Creek had become thickly settled, and he 
is the first on record as officiating there. The Rev. Samuel 
Thomas was the first missionary sent to this Province, by the 
Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts ; 
he came in 1702, and was soon appointed for the three 
branches of Cooper river, but directed to make the village 
his principal place of residence, which was represented to the 
Society as " one of the largest and most populous country 
towns, and settled by English families entirely, all well af- 
fected to the Church of England." Revisiting England in 
1705, he came back in October of the same year, and a few 
days after his arrival he died, much beloved for his sound 
doctrine, exemplary life and industry. No sooner had the 
Society heard of his usefulness and death, than they sent out 
their first missionary to that Parish exclusively, the Rev. 
Francis Le Jau, D.D. He arrived on the 5th of October^ 
1706; was a native of Angers, in France, and had been a 
Canon in the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, London. Pur- 
suant to the Church Act, the parishioners met on Easter Mon- 
day, April 14th, 1707, and elected Robert Stevens and John 
Saunders, Church Wardens ; and Ralph Izard, (he whom 
your angry forefather called *' honest Ralph,") George Can- 
tey, Capt. James Moore, Arthur Middleton, Capt. John Can- 
tey, William Williams, and Capt. David Deas, Vestrymen, 



188 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

Well satisfied with the character and attainments of Dr. Le 
Jau, they elected him Rector. He had written to the So- 
ciety of the kind reception he had met with from Gov. John- 
son, and Chief Justice Trott, and of the numerous civilities 
which he had received from the parishioners, who were busy 
providing materials for the Church and Parsonage house- 
These were soon after built. He found that various opinions 
had been spread there, by a multitude of teachers of all sorts, 
yet could find very few who understood Christianity, even to 
the essential parts of it. He was diligent in performing the 
duties of his cure, and occasionally performed divine service 
in its neighborhood. When Commissary Johnson was ab- 
sent, he officiated once a month in Charles Town, and some- 
times he visited the French settlement at Orange Quarter, 
St. Dennis Parish, which, although without a minister, pro- 
duced fifty communicants when he administered the sacra- 
ment, and that out of thirty-two families. In his Parish he 
had one hundred families, containing one thousand persons. 
He baptized twenty-one children the first, and nineteen the 
second year. His zealous exertions for the good of souls 
gained him the aflfections of his people. They subscribed 
£60 currency a year, in addition to his salary from the So- 
ciety. The congregation soon became too large for the first 
church, and they then erected the present handsome edifice of 
brick, which has been so prettily described in our past pages, 
and wherein I hope you will often be found when residing at 
the mansion. A parsonage was built, and a donation of one 
hundred acres of land, as a glebe, was made by Capt. Benja- 
min Schencking, the building was nearly destroyed by fire, 
but a sufficient sum was soon subscribed for its repair. He 
subsequently informed the Society, that the moral character 
of his parishioners had improved, and that his Church was 
well attended. You see there was some justice in the ac- 
count that Landgrave Smith gave of their bad lives and con- 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 189 

duct in 1104. Mr. Le Jau had, however, to lament that 
there were still among them " some few atheistical persons, 
and scoffers at all revelation." Here we have " confirmation 
strong, as proof of Holy Writ," in these words of so good a 
minister, that your great great grandfather had not accused 
them falsely of bad lives. In 1714, when the present Church 
was began, there were seventy white communicants and eight 
black ones. Mr. Le Jau had frequently represented to the 
Society the want of schools in the Province, both for reli- 
gious and secular instruction, earnestly recommending their 
establishment. He particularly urged the Society to send a 
master to his parish, with a suitable compensation. Accord- 
ingly, in 1710, Mr. Benjamin Dennis arrived. A number of 
scholars had been collected, when the Indian war of 1715 
dispersed the school, driving many of the inhabitants to town 
for protection. Mary Hyrne had then been two years Mrs. 
Smith. After the conclusion pf the war. Dr. Le Jau returned 
with his parishioners to his Cure. In 1717 he was taken 
sick, and after a long and painful illness died, and was buried 
at the foot of the altar, where we find the following inscrip- 
tion on a square marble tablet over his grave : — " Here lyeth 
the body of the Rev. Francis Le Jau, D.D., of Trinity Col- 
lege, Dublin, who came to this Province in October, 1706, as 
the first Rector of St. James'. Obit. l5th Sept., 1717, setat 
52. To whose memory this stone is fixed by his only son, 
Francis Le Jau." 

The vestry applying to the Society, stated the great loss 
which the Parish had sustained in the death of their pastor ; 
declaring him to have been a "good, pious and learned min- 
ister, by whose doctrine and conversation, many had reaped 
much profit." That same year a large, handsome book of 
Common Prayer, was presented to the parish by Abel Kittle- 
by, Esq., of the Middle Temple, London, and a Landgrave of 
Carolina. A record was entered in the journal of the vestry, 



190 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

July 14th, 1719 : "That the church being now completely 
finished, should be forever set apart from all temporal uses, 
and wholly appropriated to and for the Christian worship of 
the Holy and Eternal Trinity — one God for ever blessed." 
The two lower of the middle two rows of pews were kept for 
the use of the wardens and vestry. To Arthur Middleton, 
Esq., for giving four acres of land to the parsonage, and for 
other pious contributions, and for zealous industry and care 
in promoting this holy w^ork, of building this church, is given 
an enclosed pew, containing five feet six inches, by seven 
feet of ground, and to his heirs for ever. The same to Cap- 
tain Schencking, for one hundred acres of land. To Benja- 
min Godin, for sixteen acres for the church yard ; and to the 
following persons, for their " pious contributing and zealous 
industry and care :" Colonel James and Mr. Roger Moore, 
Robert Hawes, Major Thomas Smith, (the son-in-law of Cap- 
tain Schencking,) Mrs. Anne Davis, Benjamin and John 
Gibbes. The rest of the pews were subsequently sold. St. 
James is a handsome rough-cast, brick edifice, near Goose 
Creek bridge, containing the marble tables of the Decalogue, 
Apostle's Creed, and Lord's Prayer, presented in 1758, by 
the Hon. Wilham Middleton. The vestry, in their letter of 
thanks, " pray that, that God, whose altar he had adorned, 
and whose laws he had set before them, might bless him in 
himself, and every branch of his family." The roof is sup- 
ported by four Dorick columns on each side, and the walls 
are adorned with several handsome marble monuments, with 
beautiful inscriptions. A lengthy one to the Hon. Ralph 
Izard, born 1742, died May 1804. There are twenty -four 
large double pews on the ground floor, and the aisles are 
paved with flag-stones. The communion plate consist of a 
tankard, chalice, and an embossed plate. The Ralph Izard 
of 1706, bequeathed the sum of £10 to buy a convenient 
piece of plate for the use of the charch, when they celebrate 



THE OLDEN IIME OF CAROLINA. 191 

the Holy Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. A Mr. Merry 
was sent out in 1720, hut his behaviour was so indiscreet, 
that the Parish could not elect him. Thomas Morrit, in 
1*723, was invited to fill the place until the Society sent ano- 
ther. The Rev. Richard Ludlam entered on the duties on the 
31st of August, 1*723, and was soon elected Rector. He was 
indefatigable in the discharge of his spiritual duties, until his 
death, in J728. He left his estate to the Society in trust, for 
erecting and maintaining a school for the instruction of the 
poor children of the parish ; amounting to £2000 currency. 
In 1*729 the Rev. Mr. Thomas was drowned near Sheerness, 
in going to the vessel to embark for Carolina. In 1*733 came 
Timothy Mellechamp, of whom such frequent mention is 
made in The Journal. He went to England in 1746 for his 
health, his absence was greatly regretted ; for two years the 
church was only occasionally supplied. The vestry wrote to 
the Bishop of London and the Society, complaining of his 
long stay, and requesting another to be sent. He was Rector 
in Colesbourne, in the diocese of Gloucester. He wished to 
leave a supply there and come back to America, but the Soci- 
ety wisely dismissed him from their service, and sent the Rev. 
Robert Stone, A.M. He was appointed in June, 1749, and 
came in October ; he died exactly two years after his arrival, 
October 1751, a century ago, and was buried in St. Philip's, 
the second church of that name in Charles Town. In July, 
1752, the Society appointed the Rev. James Harrison to this 
mission ; he arrived in December, and on the 18th entered 
on his duties. He was received with great kindness. The 
Parishioners, in December, 1754, subscribed £340 currency, 
to purchase a negro for the use of the parsonage. You have 
been introduced to the acquaintance of this good man in the 
pages of " That Nice Old House." In 1756 he wrote of the 
prosperity of his Cure, that his people were sober, industrious, 
and attached to the Liturgy of the Church. He spoke of land 



192 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

bought and bricks made, for the building of a school-house ; 
that he and his family had been ill, that the vestry had com- 
plimented him with £120 currency, to defray the expenses 
incurred by it. In 1*757 he mentioned that persons had 
■ "ought their children to be baptized, from a distance of 
eighty to two hundred miles. His communicants then num- 
ered thirty whites, ten of whom had been added in the last 
I ear ; and seventeen negroes. Mr. Peter Taylor, a worthy 
and respectable gentleman, had generously presented to the 
Parish, a negro slave for the use of the Rector, as a small en- 
couragement to him, for his endeavoring to propagate the 
Gospel among the slaves in the said Parish. It is honorably 
recorded on the journals, that in 1759, Mr. Thomas Wright 
built a vestry room at his own expense. In 1761 Mr. Har- 
rison wrote to the Society that the Cherokee war had induced 
many of his parishioners to remove to the Northern Pro- 
vinces for greater security and surer maintenance. The Chapel 
of Ease, belonging to your Parish, stood about seven miles be- 
low Strawberry Ferry ; a brick edifice in the form of the Ro- 
man Cross. After a few years use, it was accidentally burned 
down. I visited the ruin some four years ago, and read the 
inscriptions on ancient tomb stones ; amongst the names there 
recorded, you will find those of Broughton, Broun, and Deas. 
The Baptists have a neat wooden church adjoining the ruin, 
from which they have used a few bricks for their steps. That 
glebe of one acre of land, had been presented by Mr. Dutart, 
of unfortunate memory, he and his family having afterwards 
fallen into fatal delusion. There is no record of the time 
when the chapel was built, something like the figure of 1721 
appears on a brick ; and, from a road law, we find that it was 
standing in .1725. The oldest inscription on a tomb there, 
that is now legible, is 1757 — it is that of Mr. Nathaniel 
Broughton, of Mulberry Castle, in St. John's Parish ; son of 
Colonel Thomas Broughton, who built the castle, commencing 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 193 

it in Ill4, and the grandson of Governor N". Jolinson, who 
died in 1713. 

Returning from thence to Whiteville, St. John's, we drove 
close to the old brick schoolhoiise, where a young man had 
collected a few scholars of the lower class, from Groomsville'^ 
and the neighborhood. In 1767, Mr. H. transmitted the ac- 
counts of the Rev. Mr. Ludlam's legacy, in consequence of 
which the Society sent out a new power of attorney for the 
managing it. He, the Rev. James Harrison, Robert Hujne, 
Joseph Coachman, and John Parker, were appointed their at- 
tornies. Of the bequest made to the parish in 1765, by Mr. 
Taylor, you have been told that £100, sterling money, was 
to be paid two years after his decease, for the promoting of 
the schooL Mr. Harrison gave notice in 1774 that he intend- 
ed to resign ; he removed to St. Bartholomew's, and Mr. El- 
lington, late Rector of St. Helena, Beaufort District, entered 
on the duties of the parish, April 1775. Mr. H. delivered 
over to the vestry all the accounts, papers, (fee, &c., belong- 
ing to the Ludlam fund, together with the balance of £15,272, 
and received a final discharge, with many thanks for the trou- 
ble he had taken ; he had proved himself a patriotic gentle 
man, and an eloquent advocate for, and a beneficent patron of 
the education of the poor, the distribution of the Holy Scrip- 
tures and the general welfare of mankind ; indeed, he w^as 
ever punctual and conscientious in the discharge of every 
duty that devolved upon him, to the end of a long hfe. The 
Church of St. James, you know, was the only one not pro- 
faned throughout the country, by the British army during the 
war. Some were converted into garrisons, others into hospi- 
tals and barracks, and a few were burnt, and you have been 
told that it was attributed to the royal arms being suffered to 
remain over the altar, notwithstanding the Revolution. The 
Rev. MilwardPogson was elected Recter of this parish in 1796, 
on the 28th of March, and resigned the 26th of February, 
9 



194 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

1806. The Rev. John Thompson was elected his successor, 
ho had been Rector of St. Thomas and St. Dennis, he ■ re- 
moved to England in 1808. 

Now, I have given yon one hundred and fifty years of your 
parish, as enjoying the beuefits of preaching. Many of the 
congregation I have named to you, at various times, thus in- 
vesting them with visible and life-like forms, and you have 
been informed of ministers, some of whom, glowing, eloquent 
and enthusiastic, deserved that I should place their mental 
and moral qualities before you. Through all their conversa- 
tion there was a vein of deep religiousness — a constant recog- 
nition of God and justice. There was a devotion of heart to 
their calling, that secured them the love and respect of all 
worthy persons who felt the keenest relish for whatsoever 
things were true. You find there is not a relic of Olden 
Times that is not dear to me. I should like to know all that 
survives, either of fact or legend, respecting that church, al- 
though, from 1714, when first preached in, to 1851, we may 
sing thus : 

" One hundred and thirty-seven years have passed away, 
Since there our God benign 
Saw England's sons first homage pay 
Before that holy shrine." 

And, in looking about among the tomb-stones that surround 
it, you will observe the names of many, whom, on the theatre 
of active life, it will continue your delight to honor, as some 
of the bravest patriots of your country. That vicinity has 
been the field of many incidents of interest in the social and 
political history of our Province or State. Adieu. 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 19i 



LETTEE XYIIL 

"■ Where are the homes, the dear old homes, 

Our homes as they used to be ; 
With frugal wives, of busy lives 

As they sang right merrily ? 
When white hands lent to garments rent, 

The beauty they knew before, 
And honest glance ne'er looked askance, 

If creditors passed the door. 

When the sweet sight of holy light 

Shone from the love-lit eye ; 
And friendship's band with cordial hand, 

Were precious in days gone by ; 
O, the key to the homes, our dear old homes, 

The homes as they used to be, 
For which we mourn, and hopelessly yearn, 

Is but virtue's simplicity." 

Charleston, July 10th, 1851. 
You have often had it repeated to you, that a part of the 
first Landgrave Smith's land was chosen in North Carohna, 
where many of your distant relatives are now to be found. 
My Fayetteville correspondent has written to say that a gen- 
tleman, now of that place, but a native of Wilmington, has 
politely given him the following information : "that he per- 
sonally knew two gentlemen of the name of Smith, they were 
General Benjamin, who resided in Brunswick County, where 
he owned a large landed estate, extending from the North- 
west branch of Cape Fear river, to the sea coast, a distance of 



196 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

thirty miles. He was an accomplished and talented man, 
once Governor of the State, and died ten or twelve years 
since, and was buried on the sea-coast, at a village formed by 
himself, and called Smithville. The other was Mr. James 
Stnith, also a talented gentleman, he resided about fifteen 
miles below Wilmington, on a ^^lantation presented to him 
by his brother, the Governor, and called " Kendall," where he 
remained many years, and raised a numerous and highly re- 
spectable family ; several of his daughters married in Wil- 
mington. He ultimately sold out, and returned to South 
Carolina, establishing himself in Beaufort, he believed he 
was the father of the Hon. Barnwell Smith, (now Rhett.) 
Tlae informant had often heard Colonel Edward Hyrne spo- 
ken of, who established a plantation about thirteen miles 
from Wihnington, on the north east branch of the Cape 
Fear, called Hyrneham, upon which stands, at this time, a 
large brick building. He was a man of great reputation and 
high esteem, he died there, and his remains were entombed 
by his sons Henry and George. The Moores are a numerous 
family in that section of the State, they were, originally, of 
South Carolina, and pretty much of the stock of Governor 
Roger Moore, who was one of the Provincial Governors of it. 
The gentleman, who communicated the above, is closely re- 
lated to that family, by his mother's side of the house ; she 
was the only daughter of Mr. Nathaniel Moore, who removed 
to North Carolina before the Revolution. His brothers were 
John and James, and he thinks the three were brothers of 
Governor Roger Moore." Now let us return, and connect 
your own immediate branch of the family, with the history 
of your own State. 

On the 3d of February, 1779, an action took place near 
Beaufort, between General William Moultrie, and the British 
troops. On the 11th of May, General Provost appeared be- 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 197 

fore Charles Town, and demanded its snrrender, which the 
inhabitants thought fit to refuse. On the 20th of June was 
fought the battle of Stono Ferry, between General Lincoln, of 
Iligham, Massachusetts, and the British. On the lOth of 
September, the militia from Carolina joined the regular and 
French troops against Savannah. Now comes the tug of war 
in 1780. On the 11th of February, the British troops cross 
the Savannah river, and, marching towards Charles Town, 
are joined by other troops, who had landed on John's Island. 
Then, on the first of April, they actually broke ground before 
the lines of Charles Town, and many within it, felt that it was 
all over with them. On the 12th of May, the place surren- 
dered to Sir Henry Clinton. When these evil tidings reached 
Yeoman Hall, on Goose Creek, your great grandfather, Hen- 
ry Smith, too ill to bear arms for his beloved country, " turn- 
ed his face to the wall, and never smiled again," but died on 
the 8th of December, 1780. How much more wisely would 
he have acted, to have risen from his sick bed, shaken off his 
despondenc}^, and resolved to live in spite of ihe enemy ; 
agreeing with Campbell, that, " to bear is to conquer our 
fate." Let me charge you ever to keep up a steady warfare 
against " the blues," — rather sing, 

" Begone dull care, fain you would me kill. 
But you never shall have your will." 

I have heard a great deal in my lifetime of crushed hopes 
and blighted prospects, of ennui, &c., &3. ; but let us resolve 
that on us shall none of these things rest. We will enlist 
under the banner of the Ascii, those inhabitants of the earth 
to whom the sun is vertical — like them we will know no 
shadow. Had Mr. Smith turned his back to the wall, and 
cried aloud to the enemy, " come ye on, cormne il faut, and 
we will endeavor to dress you." Had he perseveringly lived 
9* 



198 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

on to January of the ensuing year, (IVSI, just one month 
after his death,) and heard of the battle of the Cowpens, in 
Spartanburg, South Carolina, how Gen. Morgan defeated 
Col. Tarleton ; and in February, that Gen. Nathaniel Greene 
had been appointed to the command of the Southern army, 
his hopes would have revived. Could he have contrived 
to exist until the 8th of September, and heard the glorious 
news of the battle of Eutaw, they would have been confirm- 
ed ; and by the 14th of December, 1782, he could have seen 
Charles Town evacuated by the British troops. Yes, he 
might have witnessed that most gratifying sight to all true 
patriots, ever seen in this town ; for, on Sunday, at the sound 
of the morning gun, the British and American armies were 
put in motion, they moved down the King street road till 
they had passed the Lines, when the former filed off towards 
Gadsden's wharf, where, under Gen. Leslie, they embarked in 
boats which awaited them. The latter, under Gen. V/ayne, 
moved forward and halted on the south side of Broad, near 
Church street. Then came Gov. Matthewes and Ex -Governor 
Butledge, attended by Gen. Greene,^ of Providence, Rhode 
Island, and escorted by two hundred cavalry ; and long troops 
of officers, soldiers, and citizens following on horse back. 
Smiling faces and joyful voices saluted the deliverers as they 
came by, with " God bless you, gentlemen, welcome, welcome 
home." That glorious evacuation day filled all hearts with 
joy ; when their eyes witnessed the departure and formal 
withdrawal of the British forces, that, for two years and more- 
had possessed the city, and controlled, in great part, the ad- 
ministration of the provincial affairs. Ah, had your great 
grandfather only lived to be present, he would have had a 
pleasing sight spread out to his view. The British fleet, up- 
wards of three hundred sail, laying at anchor from Fort John- 
son to Five Fathom Hole, in a curve line, as the current 
runs. And he may have heard afterwards of Gen. Moultrie's 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 109 

saying, " that wliich rendered it most agreeable was the fact 
that they were ready to depart." And uniting his voice with 
the General's, would have expressed the hope, that w^e should 
never again suffer from the painful scourge, humiliating an- 
noyance and footsteps of the invaders. And they would 
both have declared that the line of conduct most likely to 
secure us this great blessing would be unanimity among our 
citizens, which would always give us unconquerable strength. 
They would have agreed that, if true to ourselves, an inva- 
sion could never again set hostile foot on the shores of our 
country ; but there was neither consultation or voice in the 
grave to which he had hastened. While his country was 
bleeding at every pore, his patriotism burned with a pure 
flame, although disease had unstrung his nerves ; but his 
son Thomas, young as he was, had a hand ever ready to 
strike, for he was a cautious, daring, prompt and resolute 
man. I hope that you will make our own American history 
a subject of close study, you will find it almost exclusively 
dedicated to the memory of the truly great. As the eye 
wanders about its extent, it beholds the unadorned monu- 
ments of brave and good men, who have greatly bled or 
toiled for their country ; or it rest on votive tablets, inscribed 
with the names of the best benefactors of mankind. You 
know that many years of my eventful life have been spent in 
Yeoman Hall, where, raising my eyes ever and anon to look 
down that dark and silent Goose Creek avenue, my thoughts 
would run ever upon olden stories of outlaws and robber 
bands, with their sternly knit brows. And all night there 
rang in my ears the blast of bugles, the clatter of galloping- 
steeds, with the shouts of fierce riders, bursting in one wild 
torrent upon us. 

How often there, did I hang with breathless interest on 
the lips of narrative old age, as it related tales of the Revo- 
lution, and those of times long before the war — for the mem- 



200 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

ories of old Bob and Murriali extended back to a much earlier 
period of their resideuce at the Family Mansion Plantation. 
To them it seemed but as yesterday, that on the 6th of March, 
1783, was held the appraisement of the goods and chatties 
belonging to the estate of their beloved master, Henry Smith, 
who had died three years before. It ran thus : " Six walnut 
chairs and two easy chairs, £S, 15s.; bedstead, bed and fur- 
niture, £21 ; chest of drawers, dressing table and glass, £14 ; 
one <lozen pictures, one pair of shades, seven dining tables, 
eleven mahogany chairs, tea table and waiters, fourteen green 
arm chairs, fifteen hickory chairs, one looking glass, six but- 
ter plates, the china in the beaufette, £9 ; one other dozen 
pictures, seven table clothes, nine sideboard clothes, twelve 
damask napkins, and three towels, £9 ; one old riding chair 
that had been Madam Smith's, three guns and a spy glass, 
£13 ; coach and harness, £35; one hundred and sixty-three 
ounces of silver, £50 ; twenty-three head of cattle £300 ; 
slaves, Prince, his wife Murriah, their children Stephen, Toby 
and Plenty, £300 ; Harry, his wife Grace, and their children 
Molly, Binah and Harry, £280 ; Hercules, £120 ; Tim, £90 ; 
Tom, £120 ; Bob and Cassander, £200 ; Bellah £30 ; Brass, 
£80 ; Hager, £10 ; Cenah and child Jenny, £90. There 
were seventy others, total £5229. Daniel Cannon, John 
Dupont, George Smith. A true copy taken from the record 
and examined by me, Charles Lining, Ordinary's Office, No- 
vember 15th, 1783. 

An inventory and appraisement of sixteen negroes, belong- 
ing to the estate of Henry Smith, Esq., deceased, this Yth 
day of April, 1784 -.—Jacob, £150; Lisbon, £150; Pvachel 
and child Plenty, £140 ; Dinah and child Tom, £140 ; 
Judy, 130— total, £1,390. 

And now let us take leave of pounds, shillings and pence, 
for the more agreeable employment of eulogy. Your grand- 
father, Thomas, will live in the remembrance of those who 



THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 201 

knew him, for his kind, generous courtesy, which shed a halo 
around his character. At rather an advanced age he entered 
into a second matrimonial engagement, with a lady much 
younger than himself; that union was of short duration, 
productive of great happiness although heavily laden with 
deep griefs. Many were they who sincerely condoled with 
him, who had passed through numerous checkered scenes in 
his lifetime. The following page in the hand-writing of Mrs. 
Ann Waring, of Tranquil Hill, is fraught with valuable in- 
formation to us : — 

" Jane Morgan, my adopted daughter, was born on the 
10th of November, 1787 ; was given to me by her widowed 
mother in June, 1790. She was married to Mr. Thomas 
Smith, of Westoe, 15th of September, 1815. Their daugh- 
ter Ann Ball, (my namesake) was born September the 5th, 
1816. Their daughter Jane Keith, (after a dear friend) was 
born the 3d of October, 1818, and departed this life on the 
1st of December of the same year. My dear child, Ann 
Ball Smith, departed this life August 15th, 1819. My dear 
Jane departed this life, left earth for Heaven, July l7th, 1820. 
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away, blessed be the 
name of the Lord. x\men." 

Mrs. Smith's manners possessed a natural delicacy, whilst 
her countenance beamed with good humor ; yet there was an 
ardor and enthusiasm in her character, that lead her to act 
with a degree of energy that was sure to result in success. 
Her private journal proves her to have been an humble chris- 
tian, cultivating urbanity, politeness and the social virtues. 
She could each night reflect with pride and pleasure on the 
well spent day. In your great aunt, (Mrs. J. S. Waring,) 
she found a thoughtful, warm-hearted sympathizing sister, 
ever speaking words of affection to her dear brother, and the 
wife he had chosen. And now havino^ counselled the yountr 

o JO 

man soon to enter upon the active and deceiving scenes of 



202 THE OLDEN TIME OF CAROLINA. 

life, desire, in a second number, to address girlhood, advan- 
cing to the years of maturity, and tremblingly alive to all 
the most delicate emotions of the heart. Never shall the 
Octogenarian allow any repulsive severity to injure the influ- 
ence of her wisdom, since even to the end of time has she 
resolved to cultivate a graceful suavity of manners, such as 
shall at once conciliate esteem and command respect ; her 
only desire has been to stimulate the ambition of both sexes in 
the pursuit of learning, wisdom, and virtuous glory, by hold- 
ing up to their example the illustrious models of previous 
generations of our own people. All her instructions have 
been dictated by a spirit of parental affection, and unfeigned 
solicitude for their present and future prospects. Beware, my 
loved ones, how you conduct yourselves ; sit not in the seat 
of the scorner, since it is impossible to conceive a character 
more irrational and pernicious. For how can religion be a fit 
object of ridicule since it involves the peace of millions, and 
holds in one hand the promises of Omnipotence, with His 
awful threateniugs in the other ? Remember that the wheel 
of life is rapidly revolving, and that we are all hastening, 
with irresistible velocity, towards the gi-ave. Charmed by 
the novelties of life, and confiding in the vigor of health, you 
are too apt to defer the day of self-examination, and yet you 
see too often the young cut off in the midst of their career. 
The breath of death not unfrequentiy blast the beauty of the 
opening rose. The wind of the desert levels the towering- 
cedar with the dust, and the young man, or the blooming 
maiden is carried to an early tomb. But I can be deceived 
by no such hopes, yet if my life should be prolonged awhile, 
I think to carry on the history of many in whom you may 
have become interested and desire to know more. Thus ends 
my labor of love for the present. May God grant that be- 
yond the narrow bounds of mortality we shall all live forever 
in bliss together. Tours, affectionately. 

The Octogenarian Lady. 
LE D '!1 - W 8 S 

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